| The growing population, rapid escalation of energy costs, depletion of fossil fuel reserves, and especially the increase of global energy requirements necessitate the utilization of all sources of energy, especially of alternative solar energy systems. With our present knowledge, we could expect alternative solar energy systems to play a significant role in the form of decentralized applications in residential sectors. In recent years blackouts have occurred in major urban cities in United States and around the world, when utilities were obliged to reduce or shed loads during critical periods to avoid overloading the system. Within this context, opportunities exist for alternative solar energy systems to meet the electricity demand, especially in the residential sectors. Many of the solar technologies are ready for immediate use in a variety of applications. Other solar technologies are in an advanced stage of research and development and must be demonstrated on a broad scale in hot climatic zones in order to prove their technical and economic viability. Electric utilities are really energy utilities; their prime duty is to continue to provide electric energy in the most reliable and economic manner, taking due cognizance of all potential environmental impacts and taking all due measures to ensure that these are minimized. Thus, as far as alternative solar energy systems is concerned. The electric utilities' goal should be to aid in the development of alternative solar energy systems in a manner which will maximize their benefits and minimize their undesirable impacts. |
