Down to Earth

Most of us live our lives taken care of immediate needs. Maybe once in a while, and a few of us more frequently than others plan ahead. Here I write some down to earth ideas that may apply no matter what, in the next few decades.

For those that have followed these musings may remember that I am looking for a job. I am trying this exercise with that in mind.

It is likely that green technologies are needed in the recent future. I can see at least three levels of participation by somebody like me.

Discover a wholly new physical phenomenon to convert one form of available energy into electricity or something easily usable

Apply known physical properties to develop alternative energy (alt-energy) devices

Join a company already working in alt-energy applications

The first requires that resources in sufficient levels be secured. The last one are already funded and preferably one would expect that they are proven solutions already accepted by consumers.

I know of one case in Mexico, a friend of mine built a water solar heater for his house. It is a low tech device.

In all cases it make sense to consider any alt energy device only if we have reached the moment of opportunity. Right now I am studying the environmental conditions that will make any of these devices desirable today. For instance are we getting more or less solar radiation than twenty years ago when some of these efforts started?

Are we getting enough solar energy down to Earth?