In reply to Terry Blanton's message of Thu, 6 Mar 2014 18:11:15 -0500: Hi, [snip] >> 4.78 GW is the nameplate capacity. > >Wind averages 20 to 30% nameplate. I wonder how well solar fares?
The surface of the planet has an area of 4Pir^2, while the area exposed to the sun has an area of Pir^2, hence you wouldn't get more than 25% on average if you had panels all over the planet's surface. (You already lose 50% due to night/day). If you live near the equator, you get better results than if you live near the poles. You also get better results if you track the sun. Furthermore, atmospheric absorption is higher at dawn and at dusk than it is at midday, and cloudy days really throw a spanner in the works. All in all, I suspect you wouldn't be doing too badly if you got 30%. Regards, Robin van Spaandonk http://rvanspaa.freehostia.com/project.html
