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| Thread ID: 74756 | 2006-12-04 03:29:00 | Power prices :( | Shortcircuit (1666) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 504137 | 2006-12-05 21:53:00 | The true "energy cost" of solar panels has to take account of the fuel and machinery used to mine silicon, smelt it, make the panels, transport them, then install and wire them into each individual building. It's just like biodegradable plastics are less environmentally friendly to make so aren't such a good idea except for the likes of six pack holders. While I agree with the above they do require only an odd wash as maintenance and there is little loss through transmission as they are on site. |
mikebartnz (21) | ||
| 504138 | 2006-12-05 22:07:00 | There is a simple solution to the Solar Panel efficiency problems inherent with our reputed lack of sunlight. Wire them with reversed leads and harvest the dark, which is always dependable. |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 504139 | 2006-12-06 04:09:00 | There is a simple solution to the Solar Panel efficiency problems inherent with our reputed lack of sunlight. Wire them with reversed leads and harvest the dark, which is always dependable. ... and everyone knows that dark is faster than light, so that should speed up all our computers ;) |
Antmannz (6583) | ||
| 504140 | 2006-12-06 05:37:00 | Unfortunately a rising power price is needed to stimulate generation investment. Unless you had rocks in your head, why would anyone build a power plant in a climate where the retail price of power was falling? So in a sad sort of way we need higher power prices to make a) investment attractive and b) less efficient methods (such as wind and solar) economically viable. Here's a question : can the low yields from solar be improved with strategically placed mirrors? Andrew |
andrew93 (249) | ||
| 504141 | 2006-12-06 07:46:00 | ... and everyone knows that dark is faster than light, so that should speed up all our computers ;)We'll cover 'em with coal to get 24 hr. darkness (at high speed) and claim carbon credits because we're not burning the coal :D. The coal doesn't need to be washed (Dirt is good for dark) so we are conserving water too ! Do I detect a Nobel Prize in the offing? |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 504142 | 2006-12-06 09:48:00 | Unfortunately a rising power price is needed to stimulate generation investment. Unless you had rocks in your head, why would anyone build a power plant in a climate where the retail price of power was falling? So in a sad sort of way we need higher power prices to make a) investment attractive and b) less efficient methods (such as wind and solar) economically viable. Here's a question : can the low yields from solar be improved with strategically placed mirrors? Andrew You obviously have not heard of straight out greed. |
mikebartnz (21) | ||
| 504143 | 2006-12-06 09:50:00 | We'll cover 'em with coal to get 24 hr. darkness (at high speed) and claim carbon credits because we're not burning the coal :D. The coal doesn't need to be washed (Dirt is good for dark) so we are conserving water too ! Do I detect a Nobel Prize in the offing? As both sides of the brain are working I think he should get two Nobel prizes. |
mikebartnz (21) | ||
| 504144 | 2006-12-06 10:01:00 | You obviously have not heard of straight out greed. huh? |
andrew93 (249) | ||
| 504145 | 2006-12-06 11:20:00 | Here's a question : can the low yields from solar be improved with strategically placed mirrors? Andrew I recall a few years ago seeing a Motorolla Solar power supply that used a parabolic mirror to concentrate the sunlight onto a relatively small solar panel. In those days solar arrays were less efficient, and fiercely expensive. Heat at midday was a bit of a problem. An 850mm mirror (approx) focussed onto a panel around 80mm. That would be quite a fair solar furnace. Personally, I believe a solar hot water system would gain immensely from an array of mirrors tracking the sun - even allowing for the tracking mechanics, mirrors are a great deal cheaper than copper plumbing. Most importantly it could be an interesting project to fill a weekend or two and use up all the mechanical stuff that accumulates over the years. It appears to me to be better to utilise the sun's heat directly rather than convert through mechanical to electricity and eventually back to heat. (Any birds rash enough to venture onto the collector would be nicely grilled.) :D And with the birds getting the grilling, you have mirrors and smoke, that's all that is needed to make your computer work.:yuck: |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
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