Affiliation:
1. Capitol Technical University, USA
Abstract
In 1968 it was theorized that the United States power generation requirements could be solved with an estimated 105 square miles of solar development, so why hasn't this happened? “Photovoltaics (PV) encompasses the entire technology of the use of solar cells. Solar cells absorb sunlight and change it directly and continuously into electricity,” (Zweibel). Though the photovoltaics form of power generation has been around since the 1950s, today this energy source makes up less than 1% of the power we use in the Midwest region of the United States. This chapter examines the hurdles and opportunities of integrating solar energy into an existing fossil power fueled electrical grid. It investigates the feasibility of incorporating solar energy via building mounted solar panels, large scale developments and the investments necessary to utilize a cleaner fuel type.