My readers know that I have great optimism for the future of solar power. As the cost of solar cells drops, the challenge is to bridge the gap from sundown to sunrise. A recent article “‘Major Discovery’ Primed To Unleash Solar Revolution” suggests that “MIT researchers have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power: storing energy for use when the sun doesn’t shine.”
The article goes on to describe a low cost, low loss method used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, in effect creating a household fuel cell. While this system may still be years away, it may provide the much needed storage solution once solar (and wind) power becomes economically viable.
Joe
MIT used to be a reputable institution, but now it seems that “M” stands for “marketing”.
Since when is using platinum or cobalt cheap? Besides, even though this process increases the efficiency of electrolysis of water, it’s still a fraction of the efficiency of storing electricity in plain car batteries.
Alternative energy seems to be, IMHO, the new snake oil.