Solar energy market is growing at a rate that is faster than the growth rate of any other renewable resource on the planet and that is a heartening fact as it is ultimately the main source of energy that drives the planet. The remote regions of the world are also now looking towards the sun to provide them with energy that is needed for their sustenance. This is now being achieved by huge solar balloons that would be floating up in the atmosphere to harness the power.
A team from Israel’s Technion Institute of Technology has developed solar energy balloons as a means of harnessing the sun’s energy in exactly such remote areas. The team argues that the devices may be a cheap way to power remote areas lacking either the land or the infrastructure to accommodate “traditional”-type large power stations. They look really cool, like some giant structures from a science-fiction movie. According to the designers, the idea is aimed at maximizing the use of solar energy.
The helium-filled balloons, are covered with thin-film solar panels, and can float at heights of up to several hundred meters. The electricity generated is fed via a wire cable into an inverter capable of converting it for household use. Initial research has shown that a typical 3 Meter (10ft) balloon should cost around $4,000, and be capable of producing around 1Kw of energy. This roughly compares to the same output from 25 square meters (269 sq ft) of traditional solar panels, at a cost of $10,000. They are apparently available in the market from 2009 and hopefully this is an idea that really does look like it could do well. Now I wonder what would happen if someone cuts off the wire!!
