| There is a lot of talk about solar energy being a | | | | development. Sometimes the best ideas just don't |
| solution for the world's energy problems. I mean | | | | work out as expected, or are just too expensive |
| all the buzz is about having a solar home heating, | | | | to produce. So it's always a bit of a gamble to |
| but wouldn't it be wise to know if there are any | | | | wait too long for breakthroughs in new |
| dangers or hidden negative issues before starting | | | | technology. You could be unnecessarily wasting |
| such a large project? Here are 3 things to | | | | several months or years of using your solar |
| consider before you spend your money: | | | | energy system. |
| 1) Toxic materials. Some of the materials used in | | | | 3) Old Technology. Are you afraid of buying your |
| the newer thin film solar panels are toxic to the | | | | solar power system right before the next new |
| environment. Even though this only becomes a | | | | product breakthrough? This dilemma is the other |
| problem when you dispose of the solar panels | | | | side of the coin from waiting too long for a |
| (which probably won't be for another 20 years or | | | | breakthrough. The fear is that a cheaper and |
| more), it's important to know that the panels will | | | | better technology is right around the corner, but |
| need safe disposal when that time comes. But | | | | you just spent thousands on "old" technology. |
| new disposal and recycling methods are being | | | | You can do a lot to prevent this scenario by doing |
| researched and developed. Hopefully, they will be | | | | a little research on the internet or the library. |
| in place by the time you need to use them. | | | | There are professional business journals that have |
| 2) New Technology. If you read the news about | | | | the latest news on industrial R and D (research |
| solar energy research, you will be amazed at the | | | | and development), and forecast when new |
| number of companies that are developing new | | | | products will reach the consumer market. But |
| systems and products. Solar energy research is a | | | | many of these journals cost several hundreds or |
| worldwide growth industry, with new discoveries | | | | thousands of dollars for a yearly subscription, so |
| being made every month. There is a real | | | | only libraries can afford them. If your library |
| temptation to hold off on your solar energy | | | | doesn't subscribe, ask your librarian to get it for |
| project so you can use the latest technology. But | | | | you. Then you'll need to decide whether you want |
| not every experimental product with market | | | | to wait for the newest product for your solar |
| potential actually makes it to the consumer. Solar | | | | home heating, or go with a traditional system that |
| panels are no different than any other new | | | | might be more reliable and predictable because it |
| product in the process of research and | | | | has withstood the test of time. |