solar power energy will skyrocket silver in 2009?

[silver_surfer]

Just remember you will regret selling your silver if you do!!! The time is coming for silver to be in its most demand ever..solar panels will be as commen as cell phones. Solar energy will become huge sooner then we think.



Silver demand for use in the manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) or solar cells could increase to as much as 1 270 t/y by 2012, Virtual Metals estimates in its latest Silver Book, published in collaboration with Fortis Bank.

Silver is used as the 'metal of choice' for grids placed on the front and back contacts of the silicone-coated cells, thanks to its exceptional conductivity relative to other materials.

Even by the most conservative estimates, the installation of PV cells is expected to grow at a rate of 30% between now and 2010, and at least 20% from 2011 to 2020.

“This industry is going to represent a robust and growing item in the future silver supply/demand balance,” writes analyst Carl Firman.

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association has even gone so far as to predict that, given the right market conditions, solar power could satisfy the electricity needs of 14% of the world's population by 2030.

“This is a very bold claim, but, in view of the current worldwide energy problems and shortages, it is not inherently absurd,” comments Firman.

The growth in installed solar energy capacity to date has largely been driven by Germany, Spain and the US, with Japan expected to re-emerge as it prepares a new set of PV incentives.

The supply side has been dominated by China and Japan, with a 29% and 22% market share, respectively.

VM Group only estimates that the solar energy sector used 432 t of silver in 2007, however, “the future projects look very promising for silver demand in solar energy”.

Assuming an annual decrease in silver loading per watt of 5%, as efficiencies improve, the consultancy expects silver demand from the PV industry to increase to 1 270 t by 2012.

“The conservative outlook of PV growth to 2012 is 13 GW, which brings our estimate for that year down to 1 111t, but the most aggressive industry forecast is 52 GW, which would imply 4 446 t of silver,” Firman adds.

“While we expect reduced silver loadings, due to improved efficiencies and the ramp-up in market share of thin film modules, we also believe that within the next ten years the solar energy sector will be a major consumer of silver, over and above previous forecasts.”

[MikeJ]

Solar power is a fraud. You know how much power is generated per meter squared with solar? 200 watts!!! Yes, thats 2 100 watt light bulbs, how are you going to power anything?

[hiyosilver]

The only people still using incandescent bulbs are idiots...

[b3nnyboy]

Solar power is a fraud. You know how much power is generated per meter squared with solar? 200 watts!!! Yes, thats 2 100 watt light bulbs, how are you going to power anything?

This is an ignorant response. 200 watts will power what 200 watts will power. Then multiply that by how many square meters you have available and you will reach a greater amount..

e.g. A single house can usually spare easily 25m2 of suitable rooftop space, this will produce peak of 5kW, or energy or 10,000kWh (units) per year. An average household (western world) uses less than this amount so the family would receive a power cheque instead of a power bill for the balance of power.

The real issue is decreasing cost of panels - although I am familiar with systems with around 5 year payback (20% return on capital) and plan to be installing systems with a 3-3.5 year payback within the next twelve months. These are not expensive investments, especially when you get a low interest "green" loan sponsored by the govt to fund it or are cashed up to start.

These (PV) systems are guaranteed a minimum output performance for 25 years, (and will continue to perform for years after this) so even current systems will return 5 times $$$ what they cost to purchase of a lifetime even without the future increase in power tariffs.

By the way, the energy need to produce a modern panel is equivalent to the energy the panel will generate from the sun in 8-12 months (dependant on location of installation), so the panels are both financially and energywise a great return on investment.

(Cheap) Energy storage, though, is the holy grail in allowing (current) renewable technologies to replace coal/gas/oil powered generating plant. Current battery technology is just not up to this task.

Solar thermal technology, though, is another beast altogether. Approximately one third the capital cost of PV and can be configured for 24hr a day operation with little extra cost. This will really take off over next couple of years, although I agree with OP the PV market is really gearing up worldwide at the moment.

[Trvlr45]

The only people still using incandescent bulbs are idiots...

Well, that makes all the people in this country who actually want to see what they are doing idiots. Furthermore, flourescent lights have mercury in them.

I think the real reason they are pushing the flourescents are because tungsten will be in short supply sometime down the road.

It has also been said that there are pssible health concerns with flourescent lighting. As for what those may be I do not know. It gives off a lot of RF and basically, in my opinion, sucks as a lighting source.

LED bulbs are a far better way to go if they want to push something that uses less energy.

They'll be squealing about all the mercury in the landfills once they force everyone to use the inferior product. No matter what anyone does the green weenies will complain until we are living like cavemen and cavewomen again.

[Trvlr45]

Solar power is a fraud. You know how much power is generated per meter squared with solar? 200 watts!!! Yes, thats 2 100 watt light bulbs, how are you going to power anything?

You're right, Mike. It is a fraud. Just as wind power is a fraud. The technology for both are just not up to the task unless everyone wants the government to tell them where to live and we fill the entire country with solar panels and windmills. Even then it will be unreliable as it already is.

Personally, I think that is what the green weenies want. Everyone living in LA, Chicago or New York City in 600 sq. ft. flats like rabbits in cages. No cars, no freedom, no property rights, no civil rights and no paycheck.

You'll press a button on the wall and green goo will splat onto your environmentally friendly hands as dinner. No plates, forks, knives, spoons or cups allowed. They are bad for the environment.

[chux03]

Solar power is here to stay, it's not going to disappear anytime soon. The technology has changed much in the past few years. I know there's solar technology available that's not rigid and that you can roll out like rolls of plastic sheeting and secure in place and start generating right away. I find it interesting that the photographic industry's declining use of silver is likely to be replaced and picked up by the demand created by the solar panel industry.

Make no doubt about it....some day in the not-too-distant-future, having a home that has a roof line that enjoys a direct exposure to the full sun all day long is going to be as economically desirable, because of the solar value and opportunities presented in powering, heating and cooling homes, as a premium view or living on waterfront property. And it will be a LOT more common. I wouldn't bet against solar or wind. Not these days...

[mick silver]

solar power still 5 years away , they have to make it better to hold more power and cheaper , then it will go up as more people start buying , i have been looking for 3 years for solar for my farm

[hiyosilver]

Read this or search "Nanosolar" on the net yourself:


http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bo...n/item_59.html


(click on the see how it works link)

[Mighty Moose]

The thing about solar is it's not very practical in regions that are typically overcast.
Has anyone, here, looked into geothermal heating, as an alternative?