PV Gap

Megan Said:

How much of our energy do we get from Solar power?

We Answered:

It's a pretty small amount right now. The power companies don't want to invest in it because they're stuck in old ways of thinking about things. They look for ways to generate power at a central location and then distribute it to users. That model is a problem for solar because it would require large amounts of land for solar arrays to to generate bulk power.

Solar works better if it's generated in a distributed manner - In other words we need solar panels on every roof in America! Again the power companies are stuck in old ways of thinking, because they can't figure out how to make money that way, but there are other companies that are trying different business models.

Citizenre is a company that manufactures and rents solar panels to consumers for use in residential or industrial areas. Your rental fee is calculated based on the amount of power that the solar panels generate and you use. You pay the same amount per kilowatt as you would buying it from your utility company. If the panels generate more power than you use, it's sold to your regular utility company and you get a credit on your electric bill.

More information at:

http://www.upgradetosolar.com/

Dan Said:

For what percent of our energy can we rely on solar power?

We Answered:

I would guess maybe 5-10 percent at most. The problem is Solar only produces power when the sun shines bright. That is about 30-35% of the time in a good area. Many areas of the country have a lot of rain and cloudy days and there it is practically useless.

Wind energy has the same problem.

Nuclear, with Solar and Wind to supplement in areas where they are practical is the best strategy.