Robertson, who has worked with Portland's world-class cluster of microchip companies on reducing energy use, points to a new process capable of economically supplying both computer and solar industries called Green Silicon. For PV cells, which now must operate several years before they make up for the energy required in their manufacture, Green Silicon tightens the energy payback time to just one year, developer John Schumacher says. Ultimately, silicon use could be cut by 100-fold as thin film solar cells come to market. Thin film can be coated on building materials. But thin film does not have the efficiency or proven resiliency and durability of standard solar cells, which are expected to remain the prevailing type for some time.
Trends point to a solar industry reaching mass scale in coming years.
A climate under assault from fossil fuel emissions demands this happen sooner rather than later. A combination of supportive public policies and visionary entrepreneurship can move solar forward quickly enough to make a significant contribution toward settling the climate. Patrick Mazza is staff writer-researcher for Climate Solutions. How the Northwest Can Lead. 610 4th Ave.