Q: What's the prognosis for solar power in the alternative energy market?

A: It looks bright. Solar power is available and, for certain uses, already economical, says William Beckman, director of the Solar Energy Laboratory at UW- Madison.

But is Wisconsin sunny enough?

"People ask that question no matter where they live, except maybe if they live in Phoenix," says Beckman.

Solar definitely makes sense here, he explains, because the hottest days, when air conditioners work overtime, are also usually the sunniest. A solar energy system would, therefore, generate the most electricity at the very time demand is skyrocketing.

He adds that residents who invest in solar water heating can expect a 10 percent to 20 percent return in savings on utility bills. It's "better right now than putting money in the bank," he says.

Another benefit of solar heating: curbing carbon dioxide emissions. Everyone focuses on CO2 produced by vehicles, Beckman says.

"But heating your water with a typical mix of electricity and natural gas generates just as much CO2 each year as running your car."

Speaking of cars, the sun probably won't power them anytime soon. Because they're small, vehicles catch only about 10 horsepower of the sun's energy. Photovoltaic cells convert 10 to 15 percent of that into electricity, leaving a horsepower or two - just enough to run your power windows or stereo.

- Produced in cooperation with University Communications

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