Can we forget about everything else and just use solar?

Depending on who you listen to, solar energy is the only solution we need to our energy challenge (doubtful). Others argue (incorrectly) that a solar panel takes more energy to produce than it will ever generate. I just want you to have a fact-based opinion on this topic. So, in this module you will evaluate current technologies to produce energy from solar and identify future directions for economically sustainable solar energy.

"The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun." - Ralph Nader

"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that." - Thomas Edison

Reading and Video

Read  Sustainable Energy: Without the Hot Air, by David MacKay Chapter 6, and Technical Chapter D.

Watch the following videos:

Bill Gross on New Energy