PV Gap

Lorraine Said:

So, if global warming is going to affect weather patterns, should we be planting solar panels in Europe?

We Answered:

Modelling is probablistic - noone can say exactly what if any new stable pattern will be formed - if one is it couodltake generations or longer before it settles down to what we are use to at the moment.

We have the science and the technology and the economic muscle to address this issue now - to answer the above yes and yes, yes, yes and yes. Regards wind patterns the atmosphere is an energy driven system - the more energy in it the windier it will get - as heat is energy, global warming will result in stormier more severe weather. The UK needs 30,000 wind generators to meet current deman - that's £50-100Bn - we could do that with a small tax increase, be energy independent and carbon neutral in 5 years and be in a position to sell all our carbon quotas and export our oil and gas reserves too - that would pay back the investment in about 2 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why doesn't every nation to the same?? Wind, solar, tidal, nuclear, biomass, hydro-electric - all carbon neutral, together they form a robust and continuous supply source that would meet and infact exceed our energy requirements - whay not do this?????

Cassandra Said:

what is the power of a solar panel measured in (units). AND How many units to heat 1 cu m by 1 degree f?

We Answered:

I don't have a technical answer, but know that for our community pool in California, we have solar panels that cover the entire roof of the clubhouse - about twice the surface area of the pool. This could be heating water for showers, too, though - I'm not sure.

Melissa Said:

How long do we have before oil gets too expensive in production costs from the diminished reserves/pollution ?

We Answered:

To answer your final question, yes. Alternative fuels research are indeed cheaper than waging a war against oil-rich countries. If we spent $1 trillion dollars on alternative fuels (the cost of the Iraqi War), we would indeed be considerably more self sufficient.

To answer your main question: never. Despite the controversy over how long we have until oil no longer exists, oil will never dry out. Oil is constantly being produced by natural forces.
Now, oil production is becoming more expensive. It's not just necessarily the fact that there's a war going on, or America doesn't like Chavez. Other factors include higher wages as inflation drives the dollar down. Also, the infrastructure for oil has been around for years and is in serious need of updating (ie, the BP pipe that had the nation glued to the TV). Probably the biggest contributor is the increase in demand. With upstart nations like India and China, oil demand is becoming a serious problem. I have heard (though I haven't verified) that the U.S. has made building oil refineries (which turn crude to useable oil) either extremely difficult or impossible without the proper connections. The U.S.'s oil production system is monopolized by big business in this way.

When companies like BP advertise that they're doing research into alternative fuels, it's the equivalent of Philip Morris advertising for a healthier America.

Elizabeth Said:

What job oppurtunities are there for science in Salamanca?

We Answered:

Salamanca isn't the only student-friendly city.

Consider Valencia, with that huge science city...working as a bilingual person, helping there...might be some very good opportunities there.