PV Gap

Ted Said:

solar energy to run my computer?

We Answered:

Good question. I have heard that the average desktop computer uses aproximately 65 watt/hours of electricity. This may be more or less of course depending on your computer. (seems to me to be a little understated) but it's a stat.

Unfortuneately, it would be very costly to implement something like this. If you looked at some retail solar panels:

http://www.solarpanelstore.com/solar-pow…

you will see that for aproximately 30Watts of power, the unit itself costs around $225. You would probably need about 3 of these as a minimum .... up to $675 - not to mention any of the back end things you need to hold the power etc.

I sure hope we get better technology soon. Hope this helps!

Julia Said:

How exactly would a huge solar flare destroy the electrical grid?

We Answered:

It's a worry, especially by the insurance companies which have been raking in premiums for years and never had to pay out. Gosh, paying out might affect their profits.

As the 2012-3 solar max will likely be lower than AVERAGE, the chances of a CME during it are low. We COULD get a CME today, as they are NOT tied to solar Maximums like a lot of people think. Its just unlikely.

Fear sells, so expect your insurance companies to raise your rates, even though they won't pay out anything. Oh, and they won't LOWER your rates in 2013, either.

Have you figured out who is in charge, yet?