Silicon Valley, Solar Power & Moore’s Law

THE NEW YORK TIMES reports that Silicon Valley may become the nations source of solar power panels, producing more power per panel, with declining prices, following Moore’s Law. I agree. As OPEC oil producers find ways to boost the price of crude oil, and carbon energy becomes more expensive, including ethanol, solar power will become ever more competitive.

At the same time in Silicon Valley new solar technology is making more powerful solar panels at ever decreasing cost. Solar panels are after all silicon computer chips. Consequently, Moore’s Law applies.

It is likely that the output in watts will double, triple, quadruple, logarithmically, while at the same time the price of solar “chips” will rapidly decline by halves repeatedly.

If all homes in the US had solar panel roofs the US would be selling power to Canada.  When it becomes cost competitive, solar power could supply much more than 20% of the USA’s future energy needs.  If Silicon Valley becomes the solar panel capital of the world, the future of the economy of the Bay Area, California, and the nation will be bright.