PV Gap

Florence Said:

What's all this talk about existing renewable technology from Denmark (wind) & Germany (solar)?

We Answered:

We're developing these power sources, too, but not quite as fast as they are. In Germany especially, you see farms of windmills dotting the countryside in many areas. In the US, it's not as common.

A windmill farm was planned for just off the coast of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, and some of the locals opposed it because they claimed it would spoil the view. The windmills would have barely been visible on the horizon, yet they didn't want to be inconvenienced even this tiny amount. We need to get over the idea that sacrifice and effort are for others and not ourselves or our communities to overcome our energy issues in America.

Jamie Said:

why the indian government is sooo lazy in setting up solar power plants in india when we have scorching sun?

We Answered:

It's a fair question... There are a number of reasons...

1. Political Pressures.
In politics, governments don't have a lot of time to produce results; they are judged very quickly for failures and inactivity. The fact is, the Indian government are poor, and they have many, many demands on the budget. Thus, long term items like solar energy get pushed down the list while other more pressing issued are dealt with. As a group, the Indian people are demanding activity on a number of other issues, so one cannot blame the Indian government for concentrating on these at the expense of others for which there is not a large constitutency.

1. Budget Pressures.
Hand in hand with point # 1, solar energy is extremely expensive to produce, and the total wattage produced per unit of cost is low compared to conventional fuels. The technology has not progressed to the point where solar energy is a cost effective alternative to conventional fuels; thus, it becomes something only more wealthy nations can afford to do to placate interest groups.

3. Alternatives.
India is one of the nations that have been exempted from the Kyoto Accords on Global Warming. Given their exempted position, there is no international (or domestic) pressure for India to diversify its energy output.

To summarize, given the high cost, low output of energy, political and budgetary reasons for deferring the choice, it's not surprising that India have decided against widespread involvement with Solar energy.

Hope this helps. Cheers.

Debra Said:

15-20% of total energy consumption will be served by solar panels.Is Germany on its way to energy independence

We Answered:

While solar can suppplement our enrgy needs it really doesnt address energy independance. It would reduce our use of coal and natural gas used in electric generation. It does nothing to reduce oil consumption...the only way to reduce oil consumption is to drive less, in smaller cars, our drive elctric cars...the biggest obstacle to reducing our dependance on oil is not the oil companies...its the american consumer

Vera Said:

How much of Germany's Energy is Solar ?? Need answers ASAP Please!!?

We Answered:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power…

a quick search brought up this with most info you need.

for energy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_in_G…

wikipedia is your friend. :)

Julie Said:

have u seen the documentary on how Germany is trying to hit 20% from solar energy?

We Answered:

both Germany and Japan are doing what we should do. get government to offer incentives to get things moving and then get out of the way and let market forces work out the efficiencies and value of solar.

as a side note...some say nuclear power has the greatest efficiencies and value, however, were government funding removed (insurance for example) the cost of nuclear power goes up substantially.