[Christian Science Monitor] Ilene R. Prusher - Israel has launched a unique solar farm, based on a system of rotating dishes made up of mirrors, that is capable of harnessing up to 75% of incoming sunlight - roughly five times the capacity of traditional solar panels. Using mirrors to reduce the number of photovoltaic cells makes the cost of solar energy roughly comparable to fossil fuels. Ben-Gurion University Professor David Faiman, director of Israel's National Solar Energy Center, explains: "By using mirrors to concentrate the sun's light, you cut down...the amount of photovoltaic material you need, and you've essentially opened the door to affordable photovoltaics." "The beauty of the mirror-based system is that since you have to cool it, you can get 50% more energy out of it in the form of hot water." "In 20 years, if we in Israel move in this direction, 60 to 70% of our electricity needs will not cost anything."
2009-04-30 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive