Solar feasibility- Can solar energy compete economically?

Abstract

Solar technology is in a state of constant progress, driven on the active side by progressive improvements diode technology and on the passive side by the adoption of ever-larger capture arrays. However, there are still some lingering questions as to the actual economic feasibility of adopting solar power on a large scale. This paper attempts to analyze solar technologies, determine which technologies have the most potential to impact the energy scene, and assess their potential as a large-scale alternative energy supply. Additionally this paper examines the implementation of a large scale solar installation in Ivanpah, California.