Approach Quote by Denis Hayes
“Our goal is to turn solar electric technologies into a commodity business like computer chips, and make them ubiquitous in the built environment. I'd couple this with a huge commitment to fundamental research in nanostructure to goose the next generation of more efficient, cheaper, dematerialized cells. And if I'm truly czar, I'd emphasize silicon technologies, as that approach is the one least likely to encounter material constraints in supplying an explosive global demand.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Energy Innovation Forum, 2023
He wants solar tech to become as cheap and common as chips, driven by nanotech research and silicon focus to meet massive demand.
In simple terms: Make solar as cheap and common as chips.
Key Takeaway
Invest in nanotech and silicon for scalable solar.
Themes
energy
technology
innovation
economics
Mood
optimistic
strategic
Type
visionary
policy
When to use this quote
- solar manufacturing
- urban planning
- government procurement
- venture capital
- academic research
Key Concepts
nanotechnology
silicon
commodity markets
scale
research
policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policy accelerate solar commoditization?
- What risks exist in relying on silicon?
A Different Perspective
Silicon may face unforeseen material limits at extreme scales.
