Solar Energy: What the future holds.

The solar tower is amazing that it can generate enough upward wind power to spin a turbine. It essentially captures the suns heat which naturally rises. At the top there would be an observation tower and glass enclosed elevators for the public.

I was really impressed with what Germany is doing regarding farmers incorporating panels in their fields, where they can have sheep or other livestock grazing while at the same time producing power. Here's an image similar to what I remembered from a report a couple of years ago...

solar farm in Amstein, Germany

Here's another article on a solar farm going up in Canada as the idea is getting closer to home (US): Ontario Gets Monster Solar Farm

What's really exciting for us Architects is the development of flexible solar film that can be drapped around any form.... here's an example that shows how really flexible it is... like a piece of fabric:

Power Film and you can learn more about it in Science Daily HERE.

It's exciting because we architects can potentially use it as a finish surface material on any shape of structure. I personally am looking for one that has some transparency to it that can enhance a glass curtain wall, still allow light into the interior and at the same time generate energy. Considering how architecture is becoming more fluid, and how tensile structures are becoming more popular, this product may have a tremendous impact on architecture of the future. If it can be applied like draping fabric on a person, it has tremendous potential as a design element.