Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 21:26:26 -0800
From: eric + michiko <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I recent "fact" I ran into, and have no proof of, said that if half of the
surface area of the US was covered with solar panels, it would produce only
40% of the energy we use! If this is anywhere near correct it says a lot.
I have trouble believing it is true. A solar panel system that meets the
needs of a small family that does ordinary conservation would fit on 1/3 or
1/4 of my total roof space (1 story 3-bedroom house and 2-car garage).
Rooftops wouldn't be enough for apt buildings and cities especially would
have a hard time finding enough space. But there's an awful lot of space
not covered with buildings (and therefore filled with people) in the
US...only a small percentage has buildings.
I'm not by any means suggesting we take away "empty" space to cover with
solar panels; I am using this merely to provide evidence for why I think
your found fact is wrong.
I don't have the stats myself but I think that if most rooftops were
converted to solar panels it would make a huge difference, even accounting
for shade. And I've seen a really cool product that is a solar panel built
into a roofing shingle! you just have to add your new roof (and the
connecting equipment) and you get a solar system where shade affects only
the indivudual shingles it hits. And wouldn't this reduce heating and
cooling costs/energy usage for the building too?
If the US could get even 10% of its power this way, it would greatly affect
energy choices, foriegn trade, environmental impact, and more. But I think
10% is a low estimate if there was a good program in place and it was done
right (major rebates, govt funding to improve technology, increased
demand=reduced prices because of manufactoring streamlining, laws requiring
new roofs to include solar if it's at all feasible (with rebates), etc).
I have studied the issue enough to know what would be invovled but I know
we could be doing a lot more than we are. The technology is pretty good
today (compared to the 80's which was the last time the govt gave good
rebates) and I know it's workable.
And that's not even counting what can be done with wind and small hydro
(many rooftops, especially tall buildings, can get wind generators
especially made for roofs).
Of course I also support (and practice as much as I can) conservation. But
even without additional convervation, solar (and wind, etc) can help a lot.
Cyndi
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Oakland, California Zone 9 USDA; Zone 16 Sunset Western Garden Guide
Chemically sensitive/disabled - Organic Gardening only by choice and neccessity
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