The sun is and will be a reliable source of energy for the foreseeable future.
A little over half of the total solar energy passes through the atmosphere to reach the Earth's surface. This energy flux has an average power of 89,000 Terawatt (1 TW = 10¹² Watt).
In comparison: the total average energy flux of all the wind available on the planet is 370 TW and the average global power consumption 15 TW. In addition to being abundant, solar energy is reliable and has an outstanding energy payback.
With today's technology, a silicon photovoltaic cell produces 20 times the energy it takes to make the module.
Using new processes from 1366 Technologies it is possible to double this already impressive ratio. Photovoltaic solar cells produce energy in a reliable solid-state configuration - without moving parts - and are virtually maintenance free during their expected lifetime of over 40 years.