Solar energy is under 1% of total energy consumption, and in a time when fossil fuels can no longer remain the biggest source of energy due to limited resources and carbon emissions, it is necessary to begin seeking renewable energy alternatives. For example, solar energy is a free, long-term, and sustainable energy source. However, a widespread solar generation would require engineering innovations in several areas.
Solar energy is also relatively expensive, as the threat of impurities blocking electrical current means that current solar cell designs require expensive materials. One solution to this would be using materials thick in one dimensions, so one side could absorb sunlight and the other could allow charges to travel.
