THE SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE OF SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN was dedicated to exploring the future of energy beyond the carbon era. The editors share a sobering outlook: ‘Decades may pass before hydrogen-powered trucks and cars relegate gasoline-and diesel-fueled vehicles to antique auto shows.’ Until that happens, well ‘muddle-through’ somehow. (Scientific American: 3)
But why does it take so long for some energy technologies to get from the lab and industrial applications to the service of consumers? Take solar panels, for example.
A high-street electronics chain in London now sells educational solar-power kits for around the 20 mark. Serious, roof-dwelling solar panels that will power equipment in your home sell in DIY superstores at around 2,500. Thats a price-tag for the wealthy or very committed, but at least consumers can push their trolleys past the technology
SOLAR PANELS HAVE ONLY RECENTLY APPEARED on the shelves of retail outlets, so you’d forgive them for posing as new technology. But they’re not. While England was priming itself for what was to become its most famous World Cup, a contributor to the July 1966 edition...