Originally posted by dryhump I can't figure out why they don't cover parking lots with solar panels. Covered parking and energy generation, it's a win-win. Also, solar panels in the desert sounds like a no brainer, surely someone's already thought of this, is the cost too prohibitive?
Pumping millions of gallons of water over hundreds of miles in and out of the desert just to warm it up is the worst idea ever; and is certainly a "no brainer"; as would be trying to run electricity cables to collect the feeble amount of charge which would then have to be driven hundreds of miles into the grid.
Originally posted by AThousandYoung Solar energy is difficult to transport and Africa needs developing.
It can be developed with the money obtained by selling solar power.
I don't think it is logical to suggest that power should not be exported in an attempt at development - unless there is massive corruption. But that applies much more to oil.
If anything, the export of power would help pay for construction of solar power plants thus making the possibility for cheaper local power.
Originally posted by AThousandYoung Solar energy is difficult to transport and Africa needs developing.
But once it's in place, there's no need to transport anything. The problem is that it's a one-sale deal and therefor not as profitable as other forms of energy. Helen Caldicot has argued that if the power companies could wrap a blanket around the stratosphere and sell holes, the technology would be decades ahead of where it is now.
Originally posted by Kunsoo But once it's in place, there's no need to transport anything. The problem is that it's a one-sale deal and therefor not as profitable as other forms of energy. Helen Caldicot has argued that if the power companies could wrap a blanket around the stratosphere and sell holes, the technology would be decades ahead of where it is now.
There's a loss of energy as it goes through the wires. A side effect of widespread solar panelling is that the land underneath will be shaded and enclosed, which means it could be possibly made into habitable land again over time - and the solar energy could do it.
If Africa sells this energy, they surrender some of their wealth to Europe and get paper in return. Right? What would they sell it for except money?
Originally posted by AThousandYoung There's a loss of energy as it goes through the wires. A side effect of widespread solar panelling is that the land underneath will be shaded and enclosed, which means it could be possibly made into habitable land again over time - and the solar energy could do it.
If Africa sells this energy, they surrender some of their wealth to Europe and get ...[text shortened]... What would they sell it for except money?
The net transfer of wealth will be out of Africa.
The point of solar is that it can be very decentralized. Each village can have its own sources. Potentially, each home.
Pan-European green energy
19 Sep '11 17:16
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