PV Gap

Brett Said:

could we use alternative energy if a solar storm hit?

We Answered:

Solar storms come and go every 11 or so years. 11 years ago, we had considerably fewer satellites then now so a solar storm will disrupt them but only if scientists, engineers, NASA technicians, and other professionals who deal in this field, fail to see one coming and have not prepared satellites for such disturbances, both of which are highly unlikely. Besides, scientists are now debating whether this storm will be as violent as previously predicted. Usually, satellites are turned off or are directed to positions away from the immediate vicinity of the damage. Also, on the issue of alternative sources of fuel, solar and wind energy come nowhere close to the efficiency of oil due to the fact that the infrastructure is not there to support such a system. To transform a whole infrastructure to support such sources of fuel would require 30 years at the least.

Warren Said:

What is the most used alternative energy source?

We Answered:

A lot of solar energy is used for heating water and drying solid agro products. But when trying to calculate the energy produced it is not accurate since the use is so widespread and there is no accurate way of collecting all the data. On this account I think wind energy is the most used. This is because wind energy is normally connected to a electricity generator and hence the power produced is accounted for and all the data are collated. Hope it is clear enough to understand.

Edward Said:

How do you feel when somone mentions alternative energy like solar and wind power?

We Answered:

Whoo-hoo...I love to hear people talk possitively about clean, renewable alternative energies, like wind, solar, tidal.

I'd like to see every exsisting home put in some sort of alternative energy (wind, or solar). I'd love to see more people take pride in becoming more independent, and having that good ol' American "can do" spirit.

However I think that the pride in being independent, and "can do" spirit is completely lacking in the average American. I think most of them wouldn't even tie their own shoes, if they could get someone to do it for them.

I'd love to see laws that required that every new home build had some form of alternative energy that worked best in the area the home was being built in. I'd love to see laws that required that all homes built will luxury items, like swimming pools, hot tubs, and A/C units had to produce enough energy to COMPLETELY power these things.

I'd love to see the Government completely cut farm subsidies, and instead spend the money on "We The People," by subsidising the installation of solar or wind, every time a home got a new roof, or remodel, that included an addition to size.

I'd like to see people stop being brainless putzes and stop voting down the wind, and solar projects due to be built by them. If they did vote them down, I wish it would mean a coal plant would automatically be built there instead.

People need to wake up and realize that yelling N.I.M.B.Y. (not in my back yard) no longer works. The world has become too over-populated. New things ARE going to be built in someones back yard....so your choice...wind plant, solar plant, coal plant, nuke plant, school, strip mall, housing development, or prison.

People need to think about what they would actually like to have in their back yard.

People also need to realize that money has NOT been spent to keep the electrical infrastucture updated and at pace with our growing population. If we want more energy, it does not matter what the source of that power is, We The People, will be spending a LOT more in tax payer dollars to have that done for us. Or We The People, could just get off our arses, and install our own homeowner power sources, and take the strain off the grid.

~Garnet
Permaculture homesteading/farming over 20 years
Husband works on the commercial wind turbines
Building straw bale home completely off grid within five years (probably going to actually break ground next year)

Raymond Said:

What is the best type of alternative energy to invest in?

We Answered:

Great question, but there isn’t just one renewable energy that gains the title of “best”. Micro hydro, solar, geothermal, bio fuel and wind turbines are all great, but it really depends on your home, neighborhood and your needs.
Micro hydro:
- Ideal condition: access to year-round flowing water and a permit to build a system
- Positive: produces power 24 hours a day
- Negative: if too much water is diverted it may damage the ecoststem
Solar:
- Ideal condition: south-facing areas with no obstructions
- Positive: tax incentives are widely available
- Negative: not all roofs can hold the extra weight
Geothermal:
- Ideal condition: large yard space for digging
- Positive: cuts down on electricity bills as it uses 25-50 percent less electricity.
- Negative: difficult to find experienced contractors
Bio fuel:
- Ideal condition: access to soybean oil or recycled restaurant grease
- Positive: it is a domestic and renewable source
- Negative: it costs more per gallon than conventional oil
Wind turbines:
- Ideal condition: a home or building with at least an acre of property
- Positive: wind energy can lower electricity bills by 50-90 percent
- Negative: there are no federal tax credits for homeowners yet

Here are a few articles that may help you locate what energy is the best for your needs.
In the Market for Alternative Energy
http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Inspi…

Energy Efficiency for the Home, Saving Money for All
http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/2008-…

Do Your Own Energy Audit
http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Inspi…