PV Gap

Dustin Said:

Why do I get cut off from answering an important ? It is always when It is about oil or solar not used ?

We Answered:

Ask a computer usage instructor!
Your are not properly trained or knowledgeable on the usage functions etc.

Audrey Said:

Why do we use solar energy on Mars but can't get leadership to support it on Earth?

We Answered:

First, I support solar energy resources. And it isn't just photovoltaic, but wind and hydro, also. The problem is the return of the investment within the time frame of owning the property. See pv panels work best as decentralized power source. So they have to be used on a building, not a massive array. They generate a low voltage that isn't very efficient for transmission over long lines. But because people don't hold on to their individual properties for them recoup to the investment, they choice makes little sense. Until traditional electricity becomes so expense, that the investment will pay for itself within the time frame of ownership or they become an added value on resell, let's admit it most people consider them ugly, people aren't going to make the change. Also PV panels deliver a low voltage, so many of the household appliances would need to be changed or other modifications to the electrical systems to accommodate the low voltage.

The other thing is we could use is passive and active solar heating. Solar water heating if used to heat the home is an example of active solar heating, while trombe walls, thermal mass are methods of passive solar heating. The problem in this area is the cookie cutter method of construction in residential construction. Most homes change little from region to region. A $400K will have similar plans from region to region, as a $150K will have similar plans. Construction methods will change determined by the most efficient methods for the region. For example, in Florida a $200K home will likely be build on slab, CMU walls, stucco exterior, while a homes in the Midwest will likely be build on a crawlspace, stick framed, brick and siding exterior. These are regional response to the construction, but the plans will be similar. But a solar home needs to be specifically designed for the region, even the site conditions. Point is with most solar homes you need a specific design. That is another increase in the investment. And trust me, builders don't like to shell extra's for upfront design.

Image this a builder is putting in a subdivision, is he going to have plans for the south side of the streets, plans for the north side of the streets, mixed used communities, etc? Or is he going to maximize the land use, have a few plans for the size of lots, and maximize profits?

As for remodel, similar issues. The house was not likely designed to maximize solar power to begin with, and the owners aren't likely to make the initial investment, if they can't recoup the cost in energy savings or resell. These are why many people remodel, for short term enjoyment, and resell.

Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of potential within the coming years for these technologies, but it won't make a major change, until there is watershed moment, in the form of the technology drastically becoming more affordable, traditional energy becoming so expensive it makes financial sense, or a collective mindset to make the change.

Of course, the main reason they landing craft use solar panels, there are not robotic fueling stations on Mars or the moon. HaHa.