Look Out Big Oil, Solar Power is on the Rise Here in Texas

The Solar Energy Industries Association recently reported that Texas has moved up the ranks two spaces and is currently ranked as the 10th photovoltaic market. This is particularly impressive given the lack of strong state incentives for going solar.

The potential for solar energy production is great, though not entirely immediate. UT's own Dr. Brian Korgel has been developing a solar ink that could change the energy game. Theoretically solar inks would allow most any surface to be converted into a solar panel easily. Also, current solar technologies consume large amounts of silicon during production and run the risk of releasing toxic chemicals into the environment. Korgel's solar ink uses copper indium gallium selenide or CIGS, which is both cheaper and benign in terms of environmental impact. However, with a goal of 10% efficiency and at current efficiency rate of 2%, there is still a lot of research and work to be done.

Until solar units can be produced safely and cheaply -- and are efficient enough -- we're stuck with rising gas prices and constantly waning fossil fuel reserves. But it is nice to hear there's an alternative on the horizon.