Environment

nytimes.com
March 13, 2012
Matthew L. Wald
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/slicing-silicon-thinner-to-cut-the-price-of-solar-cells/?scp=2&sq=environment&st=cse

Summary-
    A new development by a company in California has been unveiled. This new method of creating thin strips of silicon will cut the costs of making a vital part of solar panels by 75%. The method involves shooting protons at the silicon instead of cutting it with diamond blades, which had been the previously most effective method of creating these silicon strips. This is a huge step in making solar panels affordable.

Connection-
    Part of the issues faced by those running for president is how to address environmental concerns. As discussed in class during an analysis of concerns of voters, ways around dependency on foreign oil are a big concern. If a candidate could latch onto a newly cheap way to create an alternative energy source, they might stand a good chance in the election.

Personal Reaction-
    It is a good day indeed when an environmentally friendly way to make energy becomes cheaper. These kinds of development are a step in the right direction for everyone. It would be great indeed if a presidential candidate latched onto the solar panel technology and made advancing it a part of their promises as a future president.