I live in NZ where nuclear electricity generation is not an option and where solutions have to be found that are sustainable. Most of our electricity is generated by hydro-electric dams but as we move towards needing more electricity (it seems minimising use is in the too-hard basket) we are being asked to consider "solutions" such as Marsden B - a proposed coal fired power station. What I want to know is, why cant electricity companies make a deal with us to install solar panels on our roofs which can contribute to the national grid daily? Obviously electricity is difficult to store but there must be a more sustainable and economically friendly way to deliver electricity to homes without sacrificing the planet.
2006-12-13 20:03:41 · 8 answers · asked by Solution Seeker 2 in Environment
Thats a nice idea! but the point is that even nows solar panels are quite expensive.
When some cheap method for manufactring them comes into fray, then your idea will certainly become a reality, not only in New Zealand but all over the world.
2006-12-13 20:06:30 · answer #1 · answered by Som™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because - 1) The energy industry has been buying our politicians for the last 50 years or more. 2) We would much rather spend the money on a new kitchen or bathroom or on a house that's twice the size we need. 3) We could brag about the house or the kitchen or bathroom rather than the ugly panels on the roof. 4) We're to collectively brain dead to know how good they would be for us and our country by freeing us from a) the pollution, b) the nuts with the oil and c) the need to write a big check for oil , gas and electric every month, something those particular industries don't especially want to see happen which explains the large campaign contributions. We did it in th 70's after the first oil embargo and we made a sizable dent in out energy consumption with programs for tax breaks and grants to go solar and we should be doing that again as quickly as possible.
2016-03-29 06:47:57 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about NZ, but in the US, the answer is greed. Our electric companies make record profits, pay their executives immense bonuses, and in Texas they want to build numerous coal fired plants to keep the money flow going.
I believe the idea of solar power to run homes is very doable. If we started really pushing in that area, we could have smaller and smaller cells making more power.
As to cloudy days or night, how about this solution? First work to make the cells efficient enough to pick every bit of light during the day. When the power isn't used it's routed into batteries. During the war, they ran submarines underwater on batteries charged by the diesels for twelve hours or more. That was sixty years ago. Here we'd just be changing the power source for the charge.
2006-12-13 20:45:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a good idea, but I think it would be better to think in terms of local production for local use. The obstacle to this point has been the high cost of solar panels. I got a quote of $35k US for the 600kwh I currently use. A bit steep in my book. But I found a company that is going to rent the solar panels you need for no upfront investment. It will be a fixed rate for 25 years based on the power the panels produce. No maintenance or installation costs. You need to be in a state with a net-metering law and of course have a reasonably good solar site. If any readers in the US want more info, email me at bullshoalsblues@yahoo.com
2006-12-17 14:01:42 · answer #4 · answered by bullshoalsblues 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats first of all for thinking abt solution, but the electricity generated from solar panel on ur roofs will not be suficient to contribute grid because for connecting to the grid there r many factors which r to be considered. But u can generate power for ur owned house but it may find quite expensive but contributing to the grid not possible!!!!
2006-12-13 20:19:53 · answer #5 · answered by Nikhil C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some places, you can feed into the energy grid.. and even be paid for it.
I read a story about a guy in Minnesota that has a few wind generators and gets paid by the power company.
2006-12-13 20:47:35 · answer #6 · answered by socialdeevolution 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the main reason is that it is a builder who is building your home and not the electricity company. Unless they pass legislation requiring solar panels to be mandatory, it will always only be a rarely used option and not the norm.
2006-12-13 20:14:25 · answer #7 · answered by rakemonster 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2017-02-09 23:01:14 · answer #8 · answered by Harrison 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋