Alternative Energy

View of Copacabana in Bolivia

The solar radiation that reaches the earth represents, depending on the calculation method used, between 6,000 and 10,000 times as much energy as the entire planet now consumes. So in absolute terms, solar power could provide an inexhaustible source of energy. All we need to do is “tap” a tiny amount of it to cover all of our needs and those of future generations.

In theory, photovoltaic systems could convert as much as 84% of the energy of photons — the “light packets” sent by the sun — into electricity, instead of the 15 to 20% they do now.

These figures give us an idea of the ultimate potential of this plentiful, renewable resource, which does not emit greenhouse gases when used and is virtually free of any other drawback.

Its many advantages make it a priority focus for meeting the energy challenges of the twenty-first century.