PV Gap

Violet Said:

is it possible to provide electricity to nyc and other places around the world on solar power alone?

We Answered:

First, think of solar energy like a farmer's field. Farmer Dale looks for lots of sun and tries to plant on as many acres as possible.

In order to get a good solar harvest, you will need lots of sun and ample room to collect all that energy. The problem with solar energy is that you can convert about 100 watts per sqft of land. To power the typical small home, you need 7500 watts of power. That means you would need 75 sqft of solar panels in your yard. You would need several acres of land dedicated on the NYC country side just to power the city.

Another problem with solar is that it is only available during the day. At night, New York City would need to find another source of energy to power their solar city.

From a practical, what can you power with a single 50 watt solar panel, check out my articles on the subject. I am not compensated in any way by big solar companies.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article…

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article…

Clara Said:

Could it be possible to charge a laptop by using solar power instead of electricity?

We Answered:

That would be a huge flop.
Most people don't leave their laptop outside all day. Not only is that not where they want to use it because it's probably too hot/cold/windy/uncomfortable and you look weird just sitting outside.
But it also heats up too much. A laptop gets very very warm/cold when left outside and that damages it. Not to mention all of the dust that the wind would blow between the keys and the possible rain.
It would have to be outside for a loooong time with 100% sun (Which is unlikely because it's not sunny everywhere) and people don't like leaving fragile expensive stuff outside exposed to the elements and theives.

EDIT: No, not in a window either. Like I said earlier, it would overheat (My laptop has overheated when left in direct sunlight) Also like I said earlier, it's not sunny where I (and millions of others) live so that renders it a bit pointless. Plus, most people have drapes or blinds, they don't like having a window wide open. Most window displays are pretty things, I don't think anyone in their right mind would have a laptop as a window display. It just looks silly and encourages theives.

Finally, that thing I mentioned about the price. Why would anyone want to spend a few extra hundred (or thousand) for something so flawed and silly.

It's fun to imagine inventions sometimes, but I don't think this is one that will ever catch on.