There are two kinds of solar power systems that be produced on Mars, dynamic and photovoltaic. The solar dynamic systems are somewhat lacking in technology; they work by using a parabolic mirror to concentrate sunlight on a boiler, where a fluid is heated and expanded to turn a generator turbine. This system produces an approximate 25 percent efficiency, which is fairly efficient. However, the problem is solar dynamic cycles is that it requires clear skies. In order for the parabolic mirrors to effectively concentrate light, the light must all come directly from the Sun. Based upon the Viking missions results, clear skies can only be expected for about half the year; which is hardly makes it a dependable source of power.
This is where photovoltaic panels come into the picture. The key material for the manufacture of such panels, silicon metal, can be manufactured on Mars, along with aluminum for the wiring. The advantage of photovoltaic panels over solar dynamic systems is that they have no regard for the direction of the light; thus, they will work well all year round. However, there is a downside to this alternative way. The efficiency are only about 12 percent, 50 percent less efficient than the solar dynamic system. In addition, another problem is that the photovoltaic panels performance can be degraded by dust precipitating on them.
Another alternative to solar power is wind. At the surface of Mars, typical wind speeds measured at the Viking sites were only about five meters per second (10 mph), implying negligible potential for wind power. However, at altitudes above the surface, wind speeds can get as high as thirty meters per second (60 mph), which would create the same amount of power per unit of windmill area as a six meters per second (12 mph) breeze on Earth. Thus, the key to wind power relies on how high the windmill is placed.