Solar Power

It has been well over one hundred years since we first started using electricity; Since the invention of the first lightbulb by Thomas Edison, electricity has taken enormous strides in benefiting our world. With emerging technologies getting better and better everyday, who knows what electricity and technology will do for us next?
DESCRIPTION/DEFINITION
Many efforts are presently being made to improve the technology as well as the cost of solar energy. The way solar power works is with photovoltaic cells which use conducters to convert light energy into electrical current. The way this conversion is done now is by using silion based - panels which does in fact work quite efficiently. The only problem with it is that using silicon for this conversion is fairly expensive. After several years of testing, several chemists believe that they have found a solution to create efficient and cost efficient energy from solar power. This new method includes quantum dots; little crystal semiconductors that are able to interact with light. The way this works is that these dots are able to release electrons when exposed to high energy photons and this is what gives off the elctrical energy.
PROS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
1) Cost efficiency and convenience
Unlike the silicon based panels, Quantum dots are alot easier and less expensive to produce and use for solar power. They can produce just as much power and because of its weight and flexibility, these quantum dot panels can be installed in many different places. This is good for any organization because they will be saving money on these systems and due to the storing convenience, they will be able to use them in any part of the company.
2) Environmentally concious and low maintenance cost
This new invention has an unlimited amount of advantages for all organizations as well as for the environment. Another reason is that they require very little maintenance and that means more money saved for the business. These machines also work silently and last but not least, they are the cleanest/safest method of electrical power. This is helpful to an organization because it keeps the workplace cleaner and it shows people that the company cares about keeping a clean environment.
CONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
1) How often will it be used
When it comes to the technological thought behind this invention, there seems to be nothing wrong with it because it is such a well thought idea. Unfortunately, the reality of it is that this emerging technology is very much so still emerging. The actual product will probably not be commercialized for the next few years and so until it has been tested, it is hard to say what will be good and bad about it. One problem that organizations might inccur is a mixed amount of solar power throuhgout the year. The weather cannot be tampered with and therefore organizations may believe that they will get a certain amount of electrical energy from solar power but then might be dissapointed to find that they recieved less than they bargained for.
2) Advanced technology
Since this piece of equipment is so advanced, it takes a certain type of person to construct and fix this product. If the machine somehow breaks down or needs maintenance, it will be hard to get the proper help to replace or fix it. There is not necessarily someone in the company that will know how to fix the machine and therefore it might become a hassle for the organization.

For further information:

1) http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?ch=specialsections&sc=emerging&id=18285
2) http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/13659/
3) http://www.newenergy.org/sesci/publications/pamphlets/photovoltaic.html