Actually, we hear about solar energy all the time - everything we burn on this planet is the result of eons of solar energy - it's just not sustainable. We were left great treasure and in typical human fashion we squander it.
Semantics aside... Conservation and efficiency are major issues rarely heard about.
Sorry, Enigma, didn't mean to prattle all over your link.
There is an increased interest in this sort of solar farming because of the hope for new federal subsidies and environmental concerns. Although advances are being made in mass production of sheet cells, photovoltaic solar cells are expensive. There are also losses incurred while converting the DC produced into grid-suitable AC. I'm inclined to look towards parabolic tracking reflector/boiler/steam alternator arrangments as being more cost effective over the long haul and at this time. As well, the actual useful service life of some solar cell designs is unknown at this time. Promises don't make power, if you know what I mean.
Hey, nothing silly about wanting to protect yourself and the earth.
Germany has an interesting program of energy free homes - meaning they use no energy for heating or cooling. If I find the link I'll forward it to you. Also Iceland, Finland, some of those evil socialist countries that have health care, happy denizens, and mind their own business - war wise.
We are getting a solar plant here, too. But unlike your Austin link, they are charging any homeowner in the limited service area who wants to hook up a $5K fee!!! (sigh) ... so far they haven't had much interest, so maybe they will modify the program. Ours looks like a mini-mini Nellis AFB array, too.
ps, I had no idea there was a Colorado River near Austin. Very interesting.
6 comments:
Actually, we hear about solar energy all the time - everything we burn on this planet is the result of eons of solar energy - it's just not sustainable. We were left great treasure and in typical human fashion we squander it.
Semantics aside...
Conservation and efficiency are major issues rarely heard about.
Blah, blah, blah...
Who cares, let's go shopping.
Sorry, Enigma, didn't mean to prattle all over your link.
There is an increased interest in this sort of solar farming because of the hope for new federal subsidies and environmental concerns. Although advances are being made in mass production of sheet cells, photovoltaic solar cells are expensive. There are also losses incurred while converting the DC produced into grid-suitable AC. I'm inclined to look towards parabolic tracking reflector/boiler/steam alternator arrangments as being more cost effective over the long haul and at this time. As well, the actual useful service life of some solar cell designs is unknown at this time. Promises don't make power, if you know what I mean.
But it's motion...
I was just happy in the middle of winter to see an article about a Solar Project...I want Wind and Solar....and water....
but that is just me....a silly old hippy woman...
Hey, nothing silly about wanting to protect yourself and the earth.
Germany has an interesting program of energy free homes - meaning they use no energy for heating or cooling. If I find the link I'll forward it to you. Also Iceland, Finland, some of those evil socialist countries that have health care, happy denizens, and mind their own business - war wise.
These touch upon the subjects mentioned:
Germany's New Energy Efficient Homes
Aussies make solar power cell breakthrough
Geothermal in Iceland
Tidbits to read...
From an old hippy dude. ;-)
We are getting a solar plant here, too. But unlike your Austin link, they are charging any homeowner in the limited service area who wants to hook up a $5K fee!!! (sigh) ... so far they haven't had much interest, so maybe they will modify the program. Ours looks like a mini-mini Nellis AFB array, too.
ps, I had no idea there was a Colorado River near Austin. Very interesting.
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