EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES - ADVANCES IN SOLAR ENERGY By Javier Alvarado

Introduction Javier Alvarado worked in the gas, oil, and energy

industry for 34 years prior to his retirement. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, as well as a specialized degree in energy management. Continuing his education, Javier Alvarado attended the Wharton School, where he completed the Managing Technology and Innovation Program.

Renewable energy continues to become more lucrative. Solar panels have existed for decades, but their form is undergoing a dramatic shift.

Advances in Solar Energy Consider the fact that most solar panels produce

DC (direct current) power, but most homes require AC (alternating current) power. A device called the microinverter connects to solar panels and converts their DC power output to AC power.

More than the form of their power output, solar panels have also received criticism for costing too much. The exorbitant cost of silicon, and a shortage of the material that occurred in the late 2000s, is to blame. However, recent findings show that the cost of solar panels is becoming more accessible.

Conclusion In 1953, a 130-inch solar panel

converted 4.5 percent of energy to electricity at the cost of $1,785 per watt. In 2015, a 41-inch panel can convert 23.5 percent of energy for just 70 cents per watt.

As fossil fuels continue to be consumed, energy technology enthusiasts look forward to additional exciting developments in solar energy.