Product Description

In "Solar Revolution", fund manager and former corporate buyout specialist Travis Bradford argues - on the basis of standard business and economic forecasting models - that over the next two decades solar energy will increasingly become the best and cheapest choice for most electricity and energy applications. "Solar Revolution" outlines the path by which the transition to solar technology and sustainable energy practices will occur.Developments in the photovoltaic (PV) industry over the last ten years have made direct electricity generation from PV cells a cost-effective and feasible energy solution, despite the common view that PV technology appeals only to a premium niche market. As the scale of PV production increases and costs continue to decline at historic rates, demand for PV electricity will outpace supply of systems for years to come.Ultimately, the shift from fossil fuels to solar energy will take place not because solar energy is better for the environment or energy security, or because of future government subsidies or as yet undeveloped technology. The solar revolution is already occurring through decisions made by self-interested energy users. The shift to solar energy is inevitable and will be as transformative as the last century's revolutions in information and communication technologies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #223364 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 254 pages

Review
"Everyone who wants to understand the permanent energy answer that can reverse climate change, eliminate oil shocks, and avoid future Chernobyls should read this book. Bradford builds a compelling business case that solar energy is the most disruptive technology in history." - Denis Hayes, Former Director, U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory "This is a timely and much-needed book. The solar industry is evolving with dramatic speed, both technologically and economically. With a business perspective and a wealth of knowledge about the solar industry and the wider energy economy, Travis Bradford provides an excellent account of solar energy today." - Dan Kammen, Professor and Founding Director of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley "Every American who pays or knows someone who pays an electric bill should read Solar Revolution." - Cecil Johnson, "Business Bookshelf," Fort Worth Star-Telegram "Solar Revolution is an essential read because it analyzes the transformation of the global energy economy. The market will drive the new energy economy, and solar is already a growing and influential player. This is a positive vision of a sensible, practical, sustainable energy future." - Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico and former U.S. Secretary of Energy "Deeply researched....hopeful." - Bill McKibben, New York Review of Books"

About the Author
Travis Bradford is President and Founder of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit organization in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on using the power of the business and financial sectors to deploy cost-effective and sustainable technologies.

Customer Reviews

A comprehensive view of an off-the-grid future
Travis Bradford is the president and founder of a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of renewable energy. He is convinced of the necessity of solar energy and he wants to persuade you, too. He considers the various ways society currently produces power and the new technologies now underway, and makes the most generous assumptions in trends, advances and breakthroughs in favor of solar energy. Bradford's arguments are lucid, if a bit rose-colored. You may find them plausible or you may find them to be more advocacy than science. However, the world clearly needs new power sources and solar will undoubtedly play a significant role. We recommend this book to everyone who is concerned about global resources. You may not agree with its conclusions, but it is still worth reading for its information about the issues involved.