Solar energy seems to be a favorite among those seeking sources of alternative energy.  One of the reasons is probably that the sun produces an enormous amount of energy.  Experts agree that this energy from the sun needs to be harnessed in the near future, in order for our energy consumption to become cheaper and friendlier to the environment.  

Solar islands are one of many ideas that may help us harness the suns energy.  These islands would be 5 kilometers in diameter, 20 meters high, and would contain thermosolar panels and a steam storage.  

As the earth rotates around the sun, the solar islands would also rotate to catch the suns rays through the use of hydrodynamic motors.  These islands will be able to float on the high sea, coastlines, and even be situated on land.  

Thanks to the use of low cost panels, the islands insensitivity to winds, the hovering factor, energy storage, as well as a 95% active area along the islands, energy production will cost approximately 5 times less than competing systems.  

CSEM has produced a prototype of an island in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, and hopes that full production could be possible by 2011.  The project has received the Energy Globe Award in April of this year, and its first test was successfully completed as well.   

However, there are still a few factors that need to be addressed regarding these solar energy islands: 

How flexible would they be on the sea?

Would they pose any harm to marine life living below?  

If these islands were placed on the sea, they would most likely need to be placed around the equator because this is where the solar irradiation will be most intense.    

 

Other potential advantages are energy production from steam drawn through pipes underneath the islands, and wind turbines which would generate electricity on top of the islands.   

 

 

About the Author:

Dave Earley works from home as an internet entrepreneur and is very interested in solar and other forms of alternative energy.  Submit your own articles to this directory by registering, logging in, and choosing submit an article.  Also join in the various discussions going on over at the forum.  

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