PV Gap

Agnes Said:

How do you transport solar power tower energy to a building that is 4 kms away?

We Answered:

If you want the heat energy, consider tracking mirrors at the site and solar collectors on the houses. If you want electric energy, that area is enough to support a traditional steam turbine, much more cost-effective than photovoltaic. That area is about 15 times the area that Solar One used to generate 10 megawatts in the Mohave Desert, so it could supply a theoretical maximum of 150 megawatts during peak sunshine. That's probably enough to match the demand of about 25,000 homes. Best bet would be to feed it to the electric power grid.

Jeffrey Said:

What has been done to encourage a wider uptake of solar power/energy?

We Answered:

Many states have rebates or other subsidy programs. Arizona has, through the utility companies programs that almost cut the initial cost in half. Great, huh? Problem is, even with the subsidy, your break even time is almost 20 years. I looked at the expected life of the panels and it was 10 years!

Greed rules when the government tries to help us. Every time subsidies are made, the price goes up because everybody thinks the government has limitless supplies of money.

Margaret Said:

What is the science behind solar power energy?

We Answered:

Sure, but at what technical (grade) level?:

Sunlight contains energy in the forms of heat and light. As a radiant form of energy, direction, obstructions and size of the collection area all play significant roles in the amount of energy captured. As a diffuse energy source concentration and accumulation through storage are as important as collection. It has been converted to electricity directly in photovoltaic panels, indirectly in commercial thermal solar concentrators, through an intermediary like the solar energy stored in petrochemicals, wind and waves and hydroelectric power. Solar energy has been converted to heat our homes and hot water directly in passive home design and indirectly with thermal solar panels. Conservation is often a key factor in thermal solar energy storage and off grid solar electrical usage.

Lauren Said:

What are some positives and negatives about solar power/energy?

We Answered:

The positives are: free after initial cost so there will be a payback. It's slow but better efficiency is coming a long. Payback for an average Solar thermal system (heats water) is relatively quick. About 6-10 years. Consider the system will last 20+ that's a pretty good return on investment. No pollution involved.

Cons: People who are going solar are not looking at cost in dollars. They are looking at the cost of doing what we're doing to the environment.
They want to leave a smaller footprint. What is the cost in the long haul if we continue to pollute the earth? Will we have enough money to turn it around in 10, 20, or 30 years?



A good start is a solar hot water system. With the current tax credits it just makes sense. Everyone talks about solar electricity being too expensive and that is true but not solar thermal. It's the biggest bang for your buck!

Naomi Said:

What are about 10 good things and bad things about solar power energy?

We Answered:

Good:
-Clean Energy
-Zero depletion of fossil fuels
-Free and abundant power source (sun)
-Ability to put array (solar panels) anywhere there is light
-Technology getting better

Bad:
-Cost of installation
-Cost of maintenance
-Size of array (solar panels) for mass power porduction
-Power source isn't always around (sun)