the solar power
...low maintenance because they have few moving parts, and therefore produce electricity quietly, without the noise of loud generators.1 Growing realization of the “full” costs of fossil fuels (e.g., with respect to their contributions to global warming) is prompting nations, industries, and individuals to take a fresh look at solar power. Currently solar power is used in calculators, satellites, emergency road signs, and parking lot lights. Where the cost of stringing a conventional power line is high (such as for temporary road signs), solar can be a very cost-effective solution. Some homes even have solar panels as a means of producing some of their electricity. If used properly, solar energy can even power a light-weight car such as the one pictured below. The world record for the farthest that any solar-powered vehicle has traveled is 4,375 miles across Canada. However, the vehicle that accomplished this feat was a mere 700lbs and used an average of only 1kW (as much as a hairdryer). The typical gasoline-powered car uses 20kW when cruising! Therefore, one obvious implication of converting to solar-powered t...