Here is a recent news announcement that has some interesting
facts.
13 April 1999
BP AMOCO 'GOES SOLAR' AT SERVICE STATIONS
BP Amoco today announced that around 200 of its service
stations worldwide are to incorporate solar power - the largest
single project of its kind ever undertaken.
The first phase of the two-year programme will see up to 400
solar panels installed on each canopy at some 200 service
stations across eleven countries in a $50 million, 3.5megawatt
project, saving around 3,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions every
year. As a result of this project, BP Amoco will become one of
the world's largest users of solar power. It is already one of
the world's largest manufacturers of solar cells and modules.
"By installing solar panels at such a large number of sites
across the world we will also learn and add to expertise in
handling issues of grid connection, contribute to the
standardization of equipment and drive down costs for all of
our solar customers.
My conclusion from this is that BP thinks solar has a future
and they are willing to use oil profits to investment in
future solar profits. They are trying to expand manufacturing
and think the market will expand if they can drive the price down.
Assuming this is true then how does this impact individuals?
As a minimum i think we should understand solar technology
and how it could connect to daily life. Both the utilities
and oil companies want to own and control it. What do we
want?
----------
Jeff Owens ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Zone 7
Underground house, solar energy, reduced consumption, no TV
