PV Gap

Viola Said:

Is it possible to put solar panel on the moon and transfer energy to earth by microwave? (=Space based power)?

We Answered:

Yes it possible. Recently a test was down "beaming" energy between 2 Hawaiian Islands. The test was considered successful and a very good indicator that you can send energy from orbiting platforms down to the ground. Going through the air a sea level between the islands has more interference than from orbit down to the ground.

It seems more likely to set up power stations in orbit than on the moon, but there is nothing intrinsically impossible about doing either.
THere is some loss but the beam can be focused fairly well.

Samantha Said:

We only see about 17 MJ of energy of the solar constant. What happened to some of the sun's energy?

We Answered:

If you're talking about when you look at the sun, why we don't see all of it's power?

That's because not all of its energy reaches us, if it did, we'd fry. It's absorbed into the atmosphere, well most of it. That's why the ozone layer 'depleting' is such a big concern, because of the hole in it. If we didn't have ozone, we'd be in trouble.
There's more than just light that comes from the sun. The heat is from the infrared and ultraviolet radiation. That's why we get sunburn, ultraviolet rays.

Glen Said:

Has anyone created their own solar panel? I am looking to save on my energy bill but not sure where to start.?

We Answered:

Here is a great online resource for saving energy:

1.) Save heating energy:
http://eartheasy.com/live_cheapheat.htm

2.) Saving energy through your appliances:
http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeffic_ap…

3.)Saving energy through lighting:
http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_ligh…

Here is a great place to buy products for energy efficiency as well:
http://eartheasy.com/shop/energy_efficie…