It is almost ironical that in the times of sky rocketing oil prices we have a huge mass of energy staring down at us while we dig deeper into the ground for more fossilized bones. It is true that solar power is yet to be harnessed much more efficiently and cost effectively but science is certainly progressing in the right direction on that front. What are we , meanwhile, doing about it besides blaming our governments? So long as non-renewable sources of energy are available to us for cheaper, most of us couldn't care less for using cleaner energy. But it isn't another question of ethics versus economics. If we really wanted we could bridge that specious gap between ethics and economics by introducing renewable sources of energy to our daily chores in the little affordable ways we can.

 

The first question that you need to ask yourself is if you are being penny wise and pound foolish. There are two kinds of technologies to harness solar energy. One is by using photovoltaic cells which convert solar energy into electricity. Their initial cost is rather high and recovery takes a few decades. This technology can make sense to builders aiming at long term investment. However, small devices like solar battery and mobile chargers are quite affordable and their advantages like portability and anywhere-charging overshadow the small extra cost you might have to pay in buying them. The second technology is solar water heating using devices like solar heating panels, which is a lot more relevant to individuals and small businesses. The initial cost can be recovered within ten years from the savings on the electricity bills - a better rate of return than most banks would offer. A clarification on solar powered devices- most of them work effectively even on cloudy days.