Solar power like wind power is zero emission. There are no by-products like the greenhouse gases associated with oil or coal. Additionally, solar power has been used, though not for the average consumer, to power automobiles. A significant drawback of solar energy is that , up to this point, solar panels could only work and capture energy when the sun was out. That, it appears, is changing with the development of a composite using nano technology, rather than the large solar panels.

"Like paint, the composite can be sprayed onto other materials and used as portable electricity. [...] The researchers envision that one day 'solar farms' consisting of the plastic material could be rolled across deserts to generate enough clean energy to supply the entire planet's power needs. [...] One of the most exciting aspects of this new technology is that it can harness the energy in infrared light. [E]xisting materials are only able to harness the sun's visible light. While half of the sun's power lies in the visible spectrum, the other half lies in the infrared spectrum." (39)

The President has recognized the potential of solar energy to meet some of the nations energy needs. "[T]he new federal energy law, signed by President Bush last month, includes a tax credit of as much as $2,000 for the purchase and installation of a residential solar power system." (40). Such tax credits or subsidies are also in place at the state level. "In New Jersey, for example, subsidies can cover up to about 70 percent of the cost leaving consumers with a net cost of about $6,000 on a typical home system." (40).

However, solar power is very expensive costing five times as much as coal-fired power. (52). Additionally, at this point, solar cells are only able to capture visible light, not a minor problem on cloudy days or shorter winter days.

Solar Energy Industries Association

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