Solar energy is the light alternative to a carbon-rich energy diet and is one of the primary renewable energy sources that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wind can play a significant role, as can bio-fuels and geo-thermal energy, but they are too small (what are too small?).

Over the course of one day, the amount of energy in sunlight striking the continental U.S. is more than 2500 times the nation’s daily electricity consumption. Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that can turn light into electricity without releasing any greenhouse gases. One of the attractive features of solar panels is they can be relatively easier to add to a home than a bigger construction project typically associated with wind turbines and other energy gathering setups.

The cells currently in use are made of silicon. Although silicon is readily abundant in sand, it must be processed to make it usable in solar cells and computer chips. The current high demand from the electronic industry for silicon wafers has caused a shortage of high-grade silicon. In general, the computer chip industry can pay more for silicon than the solar power industry. This has created a shortage of solar-grade silicon to make silicon solar panels. This means the solar energy industry could have even more trouble remaining competitive.