Cheaper power remains the holy grail within the renewable energy industry as companies around the world strive to create cost-effective solutions that can compete with, and perhaps exceed, more traditional power sources like coal.
Google is no different with its “renewable energy cheaper than coal initiative” constantly picking up speed since launching in 2007. With over $400 million invested in wind farms, solar projects, and electric vehicle charging stations, the company continuously expands its offerings, leading the way in the global green push.
It has even released its first-ever energy tool, PowerMeter, to help consumers monitor electricity usage via the Web. And most recently, Google has begun aggressively advertising open positions for a slew of energy careers in its never-ending quest to boost efficiency and lower the cost of producing green energy for itself and the world at large. Engineers with even the most basic solar training are likely to clamor for an opportunity to work with one of the world’s most coveted employers.
Basic Solar Training – The Sure and Steady Path
Google’s overall goal is clear – create disruptive technologies that forever change the energy game and reorient the world towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. While the company should be applauded for its green leadership (after all, its datacenters and their accompanying searches consume a TREMENDOUS amount of energy), true change will likely require a multi-pronged approach of which disruptive technologies will only constitute one facet. Make no mistake – if Google scores, it will likely score big and the world will be forever thankful. However, safer bets may lie in ensuring that the country has basic solar and green training, for two important reasons:
Basic Solar Education Reason #1
Even the most radical shifts require years of buy-in before they reach a critical mass. Just think about the first VCRs, DVD players, or iPods. All three changed the media landscape – all three were extremely expensive until economies of scale helped lower their production costs and inputs. Moreover, these technologies benefited from incremental improvements over time, suggesting that a “wait and see” attitude does not yield the types of changes necessary to implement the requisite supply chains and infrastructure. We need more people involved at every stage and as soon as possible. More consumers need to install solar technology now and more installers need to secure the requisite solar training today. Only then can current renewable energy solutions hope to compete with more traditional forms of power.
Basic Solar Education Reason #2
Google has the momentum and capital to spearhead the solar charge, but smaller start-ups are traditionally the mainstay of innovation (just ask Google, itself a startup roughly 15 years ago). A more educated public equals more garage entrepreneurs equals more new ideas and products. Even Google understands this, which is why it has invested so heavily in solar and wind start-ups in recent years.
Cheaper energy will require more eyes, more hands, and more ideas. Central to this entire effort is a knowledgeable public able to develop new breakthroughs thanks to increased education and broadened understanding. Google remains a shining example of what needs to be done, but for the good of humanity, it should not be the sole repository of all our green hopes and dreams.
