It is up to you, the reader and decision maker, to determine if largescale solar energy can supply most of the energy demands of an advanced civilization without adverse financial and environmental effects. I have always liked Renewable Energy (RE) and am compelled to promote the best solar vision!

There are many diferent ways to collect solar energy. The best way is not always the same way. For individual heating needs, storing it in a thermal mass is more efficient that photovoltaic (PV). From a remote lighting point of view, PV would be best since just the solar panel(s), hardware, battery, and efficient bulbs are needed. For a whole house point of view, it is best to have that house designed around the principles of passive solar energy and to install PV. PV systems cost tens of thousands of dollars upfront. That may be more easily financed if the costs per watt goes down. It is best to simply recieve energy from

Your own PV setup will not pay for itself for many years unless your electric company, in the near future, charges many times what they do now. Or if you live far enough from a powerline to justify its cost.

It might be best for the environment and to insure future energy supplies to gradually build your own PV system with a grid tied connection.

However, most people do not want to go through such hassles. The grid should always be there as it has been all of our lives. It is our responsibility to promote the best solar vision on a grand, utility scale!

That leaves us with just a few primary choices: Concentrated Solar Thermal, Concentrated PV, or just PV.

More details later... We should all try to collaborate on this issue so we can take reasonable action on a widespread scale.