PV Gap

Rose Said:

Can solar panels catch any energy from the sunlight reaching under the surface of oceans or rivers?

We Answered:

Solar light do not penetrate very deep in water, therefore the efficiency of any solar panel would be extremely low. This means bigger panels, and extra cost.

Moreover, even if I cannot give you a precise estimate of the power consumption of a submarine, it is likely to be much higher than a car. And solar cars are, at the moment, quite unpractical.
They would need huge solar panels.
Look here to find out how large are the panels for an electric car:
http://www.smartgridelectronics.com/2010…

Terry Said:

Why cant we install Wind Turbines and/or Solar Panels all throughout America for our Energy needs?

We Answered:

Having centralized power generation can cause problems with power storage and distribution. A different method would be a distributed generation, have buildings that are a good site for a certain renewable technology deploy that technology on a small scale. If you are in a sunny location with space available, install a grid tied solar system. If you are in a windy location, install a wind turbine. If more people started installing small scale systems, they would become more the norm and stop the "they look ugly" complaints. Personally, I think the power lines running everywhere look ugly, but you don't hear people saying they should all be removed. It's the norm and expected. In many countries, every sunny roof has solar water heating on it, it's not only the norm, it's the law. They use less electricity heating their water, the sun does most of the work, and therefore their energy consumption is less. People don't think twice about it, it's their water heater. How often do you think about your water heater? You should start thinking about it, it uses up to 30% of the energy in your house.

Renewable energy technologies are more expensive than polluting technologies to generate, but then look at the overall costs of those technologies, including the medical expenses to deal with all of the respiratory problems caused by the pollution. And how many billions are being spent to clean up the Gulf right now from the oil spill? That could have bought a heck of a lot of solar panels, and created thousands of installation jobs.

Oil and coal are subsidized by the government now, redirecting that money from the already rich oil companies to help jump start a renewable energy industry has a lot of benefits.

Also investing in energy conservation has an enormous effect. Improving insulation and weatherizing buildings have an amazing payback in energy savings. I spent $200 in material to seal up some cracks, and I'll save $200 a year in energy. Immediate payback! Building new buildings to a stricter building code would save a staggering amount of wasted energy.

Joann Said:

what is ur opinion about producing and selling energy with solar panels?

We Answered:

The relative cost of solar energy is poor compared to the payment. Granted this is an opinion. I have found that if I have no energy at all and then get solar energy. the cost of the panels is well worth the expense. However if I have an energy source the cost of the panels is not worth the expense.

Elaine Said:

Can solar panels provide enough energy to power a tesla roadster?

We Answered:

If you mean can I put solar panels on the car and make it go, then no. If you mean can I put solar panels on the roof of my house and charge the car, then yes. If you covered the roof of your house with solar cell you could get up to 50 miles a day with the power you would produce.