PV Gap

Juan Said:

Solar Shed Lights are they any good?

We Answered:

I doubt it but I have a similar problem with my garage which I solved by buying an electric light with two tubes. This can be charged overnight and lasts over 20 hours depending on whether one or two tubes are used. The unit is about 30"long ( sorry not into metric ) and is fastened above my workbench and can be easily removed to be charged in the house.

Troy Said:

I heard a major sun solar flare is expected by 2011 and there could be a global electricity grid wipeout.?

We Answered:

The History Channel, right?

The sun reaches "solar maximum" ever 11 years or so. Sunspot and solar flare activity increases in the time leading up to this, and decreases afterwards in an 11-year cycle. The next maximum is 2012, but flares can occur any time; they're just more likely in the couple of years either side of that.

Powerful solar flares (which are rare) can cause communications difficulties and problems with power grids. Nothing that doesn't occur anytime there's a major thunderstorm, just more widespread.