Old solar tech back in limelight

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I agree with the 1/kilowatt m^2, but not the conclusion

So, if we figure we will probably be able to get (in the near future) 50% conversion from solar cells, at 1Kw per meter squared.
The average house in the U.S. uses 8900 Kw/ year; let's call it 9000 Kw.
That's around 25 Kw/day.
Not counting from rainy, cloudy days, snow, and down time. A house would need around 50 square meters of solar cells to provide for the house.
That's around 7 meters by 7 meters ( or about 23 feet on a side).
This size can EASILY fit on the average house in the U.S. . With batteries, cables and equipments, a system generating that would problably cost around $40,000.
The standard break-even point is usually around 8 years (or so my research says). This works well for houses, but giant apartments are a different story.

Now, while I don't think Solar systems can completely generate all our electrical needs; it's a great, easy, non-polluting , low maintenance way to generate a large part of our electrical needs. Also, think of the wide open spaces we can put giant solar fields.

Once it's supplmented by Wind, Water, and geothermal power, we can remove almost all other forms of generation.

Posted by: el1jones   Posted on: 05/05/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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