What if you could print solar panels on your InkJet printer for a fraction of the cost of paying someone to install silicon-based solar cells on your roof? Well, you might not be printing them yourself, but you should be able to buy printed solar panels fairly soon.
Oregon State University researchers have come up with a technology similar to that commonly used to print documents and photos.
They say their method is quicker and less expensive than traditional solar cell manufacturing techniques.
It could also reduce raw material waste by 90%, they add.
If we put our minds to it, we can overcome our dependence on dirty energy sources. There is a lot of work being done. An English firm is working to create solar steel that absorbs sunlight and then uses it to power buildings. They’re hiring.
Obama understands this and he’s promoted these kinds of jobs consistently by visiting plants where new technologies are being developed. But, politically, too many politicians represent oil, gas, and coal interests, either because their home states extract those energy sources or just because they like to take Big Energy’s campaign contributions.
But, whether the U.S. is the leader in the new energy field or not, this work is ongoing and it will eventually win out.
Nice catch. I think it’s important to note, though, that politicians from fossil fuel states don’t just fight for Big Oil’s interests for the $$$. The also do it because the fossil energy industry is a big employer in those states. I think progressives err, a little too much, on the side of corruption/bought-and-paid-in-the-pocket-of-BP-type arguments a bit too much to explain why oil state politicians are anti-environmental regulation. Obviously that’s true to a big extent. But another, in my view equally big reason is because there are lots of voters who work in those industries – in the refineries, on the rigs, etc. – who stand to be negatively affected, even to the point of losing their jobs if and when the energy system in this country undergoes a big structural shift. For a better or for worse. How many of those jobs can be replaced by “green tech” jobs still remains to be seen.
In fairness to me, reread what I wrote and tell me that I said any different.
You didn’t. I just wanted to bring out the point. Meant it as a general observation rather than a specific criticism of what you wrote, although sloppy form on my part may cause it to read that way.
Happy 4th to all, we’re still a few hours away from fireworks time out west here.
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"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."I’m sure his OSU Coach/brother in law has got to be proud. It’s always nice, especially on a July 4 All American holiday to hear that hometown innovation is still alive and bubbling along and not spiraling completely down the old Chinese wormhole.