Build a better mouse trap?

Help, yes. Solve, no. I was reading a different article today that said that a lot of people believe solar energy is the key to meet future energy needs; but, very little research is being done on it here in the US. The reason was that the federal research dollars are being snatched up by farm states for research into biofuels. The farmers have huge lobbies and lots of "campaign contributions" are being turned into research dollars in this field. The solar energy producers don't have that much money to "contribute" and the little bit they are getting back for their dollars is in the form of "tax cuts" to consumers who purchase the end product; which helps with sales - nothing for researching better or more effective means of collecting, converting, or storing solar energy. These new solar cells will help; but, a lot more is needed for solar power to really make a difference. Personally, I think we should be looking at solar for home and business use and leaving the "biofuels" for transportation use. That would make more sense.

I think they will most definately make a ton of money. But I have serious doubts of this ever reaching the light of day. I expect they will be bought out and that the product will probably never make it to market.

Excellent discussion Redyellowblackdog!!! I had not seen this anywhere else. Wow, yes they should make a mint. Poor energy storage devices are a very serious deterrent to solar improvements, as well as automotive improvements. Yippee, this could really open up the alternative energy world. Thanks for sharing!

I certainly hope so! It is shameful and disgusting how little support solar energy research gets from our government. I have always hoped someone would come up with a better, cheaper solar panel. We need to find a way to make solar a viable option for anything that doesn't move, as well as a few things that do. I hope these folks make billions and become the Bill Gates of solar energy!