PV Gap

Aaron Said:

what is the cost of solar energy compared to natural gas?

We Answered:

These are NOT comparable because they work differently. Natural gas used in home heating, hot water, stoves, dryers use gas as a DIRECT conversion of energy.

Solar- active thermal, is where panels collect the heat and exchange it in a storage tank to preheat hot water for heating and hot water.

Solar- passive, is where the sunlight comes into a space and heats it during the day

Solar- electric is where there are 2 conversions of energy. One is changing the sunlight into electricity; then storing this electricity and converting into alternating current to be used for your household.

Solar-Thermal- Large scale. There are several major installations of solar-thermal-electric, and solar- electric the produce enough electricity to feed into the national grid. The problem with all solar projects is they shut down at night! Gas is available 24/7.

The efficiency of the solar ---> electric in watts/hr is about 23%. A regular toaster requires 1800 watts to run, so you would need to have enough square foot coverage just to use your toaster.

Don Said:

solar energy; cost, efficiency, plausibility?

We Answered:

Well, statistics say that in 2050 the world's population will be doubling in size each year, so this is probably a good idea. The connection could be a problem (I think you need a permit or something) and I will help you if you give me some of your profit. We should make a solar farm together <3