Source: CCTV.com

08-24-2007 14:57

Israeli scientists say they have discovered a way to mass produce solar energy efficiently enough to compete with oil and other conventional fuels.

Scientists say that by using two separate devices -- one to collect and intensify the sunlight, and one to convert the rays into electricity -- they can produce the same amount of electricity as a conventional power plant, for the same price. Ordinary solar panels BOTH collect and convert sunlight into electricity.

But the key to harnessing the sun's power efficiently is replacing them with solar panels that ONLY convert. Solar energy has traditionally been dismissed as inefficient and expensive. But proponents promote it as a limitless and environmental-friendly energy source -- to replace coal, oil and nuclear power.

A solar energy system built on 12 square kilometers in the Negev desert region of southern Israel would produce 1,000 megawatts of electricity. That would supply about 10 percent of the country's general electricity need.

 

Editor:Chen Ge