2. Solar power technological innovations

The history of solar cells dates back to 1839 when a young 19 year old man, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, investigated the photovoltaic effect via an electrode in a conductive solution exposed to light. Some would argue that it extends back even further than this, confirming that the simple magnifying glass in the 7th century B.C, brought rise to solar energy creating fire. From here the first solid state photovoltaic cell was designed by Charles Fritts in 1883, “who coated the semiconductor selenium with an extremely thin layer of gold to form the junctions. The device was only around 1% efficient” (Retrieved July 14, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell#History_of_solar_cells). 

Major leaps and jumps saw technologies progress toward modern day tools. Some examples of solar technologies ranging from the early solar powered calculator, to solar panels used to energise an entire house, to solar powered vehicles, to solar powered bags, solar bikinis, and even solar powered jet boats…… the list goes on. 

I remember using solar powered calculators in high-school. While they were invented in 1978, it wasn’t until 1988 that my parents could actually afford one then. Solar powered toys came at a cost, but on the positive, gone was the need to ever buy batteries for your calculator again. No more flat calculators in the middle of your exams again.

Solar powered houses are pricey to setup, however the ramifications far outweigh this. New Zealand had its first recorded solar powered house in 1994. Inverters, heavy duty deep cycle golf cart batteries, LPG gas, and water flow are minimum requirements for establishment. Aucklander, Simon Cope discusses the complexity of its development as seen on YouTube, ‘First Residential Solar Powered House in New Zealand’ (Retrieved July 14, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qplUjKTkT9c).



One invention that sparks interest is the solar powered bikini. Donned in flexible PV strips and conductive thread, the bikini highlights a 5 Volt USB port by where your cell phone, mp3 player, camera can be charged. While there is enough solar energy that falls on a 100 square mile area of the South Western United States to power the entire nation (Retrieved July 14, 2012 from http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/positive-negative-effects-solar-energy-2684.html), the skimpiness of the bikini powers just enough to charge an ipod, iphone, or similar small device. It's coverage is definitely not enough to power your house - yet. Designer Andrew Schneider creates them at a minimum cost of $500. Just don’t forget to disconnect your devices before diving into the water.

Interactions in the context of the current world economic and business drivers are significant in Europe where photovoltaic industrial growth appears uncertain.  German company ‘Q-cells,’ who were the world leading solar cell manufacturers declared bankruptcy on April 3^rd, 2012.  Approximately 80% of global installed solar power capacity is situated in Europe.  This is due to assistance from their government until 2008. Technological innovation has seen solar panel costs decline in the last few year, where households are able to reap the benefits, “Moreover, the “Europe 2020” agenda strongly relies on the photovoltaic sector to create jobs and reach “grid parity” (that is when the cost of production of 1 kWh of photovoltaic electricity equals the price of 1kWh of conventional electricity); besides, price and production costs of solar electricity are expected to come closer and closer until they are equal, by 2017 or 2020.”

Major impacts on the market place and amongst competitors

Four major European companies have gone bankrupt. The two major reasons for their decline point to:

1. The financial slump led to the end of government assistance supporting households wanting to change over to solar panels. Even France suspended public assistance to their households in 2010.
2. The Chinese dumping on the market slowed down production in Europe:

 “In July 2012, twenty-five European companies of the solar power sector filed an unfair competition complaint  to the European Commission, which initiated an investigation on September 6^th. The US had already filed a similar complaint in the spring of 2012, accusing Chinese manufacturers of benefitting from an illegal 30 billion-dollar subsidy from state-run Chinese banks. Therefore, Washington imposed 250% custom duties on Chinese solar industry” (retrieved October 7, 2012 from http://www.electrical-efficiency.com/2012/09/future-solar-power-europe/).

·         More specifically, solar power benefits and risks/negatives are:

• Climate change – beneficial effects can only be seen with minimal if non-existent effects on greenhouse gas emissions. Wearing solar powered garments may be a long term cause risk for individuals in this situation.
• Water – on the positive most solar photovoltaic systems do not require water, and those that do may use recycled water. While this is a plus, it may be a cause for concern in dry countries with lack of water.
• Land – solar panels require a large amount of space. On the positive, all is fine when placed on a structure such as a rooftop however on the negative, it is not so practical for some constructions, and smaller houses. 
• Hazardous wastage risks - when damaged, these cells produce hazardous materials like oils and molten salts.
• Visual – on the negative, some people are opposed to the sight of large structured panels populating a meadow, while others may welcome its existence.
• Installation costs - On the downside, these are high to begin with, yet on the positive, pay for themselves over time. Alternately, fossil fuels are rising in costs, while solar energy is lowering in price. In the long run, a home owner running a fully solar powered home not only makes back what they initially paid for in set up costs, but also benefits in net.

The progression of solar energy opens new avenues and business opportunities paving way for new and innovative toys, appliances, tools, and machinery. Its growth brings about minimal disruptions but only celebration for businesses as revenue and production moves from electrical to solar. Solar powered cars, boats, and medical equipment are only some changes here already. In the business world, you dream it, and we'll bring it!!