“The world is looking towards Chile due to its experience on what is happening here now,” said Lawrence Kazmerski in the seminar and launching of the book “La Fuerza del Sol” (The strength of the sun). This event took place in Arica on Wednesday, November 22nd. These are important words considering who has stated them. Kazmerski is a professor at Colorado-Boulder University with more than 320 publications and an immense number of references in other investigations. This eminence took with him to Arica the fifth version of the Vanguard 1 satellite launched in March 1958.
Having this aluminum sphere of 1.47 kilos and a diameter of 16 centimeters in his hands, Kazmerski explained that when Vanguard 1 was launched into space, American scientists considered that only two batteries would keep the device working for two weeks. However, it also had two cells to attract solar energy. Even though in that time its real outcome was unknown, the cells started to operate as soon as the batteries died out, and they continued doing it for a period of 8 years, exceeding all expectations. This fact – explained Kazmerski– allowed everyone to understand that solar energy is the way to go.
Solar energy has continued to grow. In 2016, there were 300 GW of electrical network. “Today, we have surpassed the future with this technology. Tomorrow was yesterday,” said the researcher, who highlighted that during many years the problem was the price, but today this margin shortens every day. The facts that he provides are clear: in some places, the world price is 40 cents per Watt, considering several countries that have taken the lead such as India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Chile.
He also added that “Chile is a great place to exploit the solar resource,” considering that the Atacama Desert is the number one in radiation.
Kazmerski closed by stating that more than a lecture, he wanted to be there to promote the importance of launching that book. Also he emphasized that Chile is a country with great possibilities; that is doing a good job; and is a leader in the development of photovoltaic energy.
“More than a lecture, I wanted to be here to promote the importance of launching this book. Also he emphasized that Chile is a country with great possibilities; that is doing a good job; and is a leader in the development of photovoltaic energy,” closed Kazmerski.
