With fossil fuel supplies dwindling and the greenhouse effect increasing we need to rely more on sustainable energy supplies such as solar power. According to analysts we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are ordering solar power systems, which is likely to lead to a number of mergers and acquisitions within the industry. So what can we expect to see in 2011 with regards to solar power energy?

Imagine driving through the rough and sometimes unpredictable terrain of the South African environment in a car that is completely powered by the sun. This is the ambition of some South Africans and even a few international enthusiasts as they prepare to take to the open road on their solar powered cars for the South African Solar Challenge. These contestants are not doing this for fun though, this is a race and the aim is simple – build your own solar powered car and drive it across South Africa. That sounds simple enough – right?

Now that Eskom’s dramatic price hikes are more of a reality than a vicious rumour, South Africans will have to start thinking more seriously about alternative sources of energy. Eskom is already awarding rebates to South Africans who use solar panels to heat water, but uptake of solar systems has been relatively slow so far.

Our government and the responsible parastatals should consider looking to other countries to see how different solar solution plans are being implemented all over the world.