Re: OT: Global Warming? New Data Shows Ice Is Back

Alistair wrote:

So why are we not building solar energy power stations. The principles
are already established and there is plenty of desert land to build
upon, although that will introduce further problems (maintenance where
vegetation grows in the shade of solar panels).

Because they won't work and can't be made to work. Not on any kind of scale.

The sun puts 745 watts/sq meter on the surface of the earth. At the equator.
At noon. With no clouds.

Assume 50% efficient collectors, and, adjusting for latitude, darkness, and
clouds:

To supply the electrical needs of California, you'd need a solar collector
the size of the Los Angeles basin (roughly 1200 sq miles). Which, when you
think on it, is not such a bad idea.

On the other hand, can you imagine what it would COST to erect and maintain
1200 sq miles of solar collectors? Californians have been trying for a
hundred YEARS to cover Los Angeles with pavement and haven't even come
close!

No, won't work. Can't run a country on sunbeams.


.

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