The new discovery at MIT of a way to utilize solar energy in a way that can be stored for later use sounds like a great discovery! Read the full article here.

As a someone who desires to serve God by caring for His creation, this appeals to me. It would limit my footprint in his creation. In this way, I would hopefully have as little negative impact as possible upon creation.

However, I'm inclined to believe that technology like this will not become mainstream in the next 10yrs, as even though Nocera disagrees with me. I do not think it will be because of a problem in the technology. I think it will be because of a problem in government allowing the adoption of these new technologies.

American Car companies are currently seeking huge government backed loans becuase their fuel guzzling cars aren't selling. I have a feeling that they will persuade the lawmakers to give them this money because of the perceived loss of jobs...
Similarly, I think that if personal solar technology becomes affordable, and competitive with utility companies, then those companies will begin seeking aid to help them compete, and catch up.

An unwillingness to change (and to allow older less efficient companies to die) will keep us using "dirty" power for a long time to come.