A photograph of solar energy panels for Luz International, Inc. near Boron, California

Solar power is actually one of the cleanest methods of energy production known. Because solar panels simply convert the energy of the sun into energy mankind can use, there are no harmful byproducts or threats to the environment.

One major concern is the cost of solar power. Solar panels (accumulators) are not cheap; and because they are constructed from fragile materials (semiconductors, glass, etc.), they must constantly be maintened and often replaced.

Further, since each photovoltaic panel has only about a 40% efficiency, single solar panels are not sufficient power producers. However, this problem has been offset by the gathering together of many large panels acting in accord to produce energy. Although this setup takes up much more space, it does generate much more power.