UCSB Science Line

I am a grade six student at Sir William Osler elementary, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This school term I will be conducting a scientific experiment for my class science fair. The topic I have selected is regarding the productivity of solar panels under different so-called “filters” of light. Such filters are transparent plastic sheets colored red, yellow, and blue. In my current project, I will be testing the productivity of my solar cells under such circumstances. The experiment will be carried out in 10 to 15 trials in the next three weeks.

I am writing this letter of inquiry in hope that I may have the opportunity to ask you several questions pertaining to my project as I have found it is in your area of expertise.

What is your personal opinion on solar panel technology becoming a mainstream power option? Would you suggest a junction or hybrid between renewable energy industries or is that just a fantasy?

Question Date: 2017-10-15

Answer 1:

I think solar energy can become an important part of our energy portfolio. In fact a hybrid system that you suggest with other renewable energy industries is probably the most practical way of weaning our economy off of fossil fuels. Furthermore, we'll need a diverse portfolio just due to the geographic diversity in the U.S. Solar energy won't be the panacea to all our energy woes, but it has the potential to play a large part.

However, this change will most likely be gradual. Much of our infrastructure is built for a fossil fuel economy- just think of all the gas stations and power plants built just to get fuel to you as the consumer.

We'll need the collective cooperation of government and industry to realize a bigger role for solar cells. 

Hope this helps,

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