Every day I hear about records being passed and surpassed in regards to solar energy. Europe recently exceeded 30% efficiency for a solar device, which I believe sets a world record, yet we haven't seen a substantial price drop in solar devices. Now, don't get me wrong. I am the first to admit that there are deals on solar devices out there.
(I just bought a Power monkey solar cell phone/ipod charger for the $7.00 price of shipping and handling after a $100 rebate)
However, for anything with enough oomph to power a laptop, you need to spend at least $300 - $900 which is out of the price range of the average working person.
The high prices of solar panels are not only deterring prospective new converts, but are also having the detrimental effect of attracting thieves. Modern criminals have discovered lucrative markets for diverse products such as electronics like cell phones and laptops, metals such as copper, information and now solar panels.
"People are having panels stolen from their roofs in the middle of the night as they sleep" reports New York Times reporter Kate Galbraith in her article Thieves are stealing solar panels and selling them on the internet - September 23, 2008
There are hundreds of options for solar cells today, from solar panels with layers of prisms focusing and intensifying the suns rays to solar nano tubes.
Now we just need to be able to afford them.
