The big news today on the renewable energy front is that the solar power industry is surging in financial markets, with several companies posting earnings. Business Week mentions a roster of solar power companies that have posted positive returns, including First Solar Inc. and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co.. Consequently, share prices have soared.
Behind the financial success is technological innovation and efficiency improvement. Here’s an example: Science Daily reports that Sandia National Laboratories and Stirling Energy Systems set a new solar-to-grid system conversion efficiency record by achieving a 31.25 percent net efficiency rate. The previous record, set in 1984, was 29.4 percent.
Gaining two whole points of conversion efficiency in this type of system is phenomenal,†says Bruce Osborn, SES president and CEO. “This is a significant advancement that takes our dish engine systems well beyond the capacities of any other solar dish collectors and one step closer to commercializing an affordable system.â€
“and one step closer to commercializing an affordable system
which means “we’re not there yet”