 Solar Electric Panels: Power in the developing world |
Thanet array seen from top of North Downs near Lenham. Turbines are about 30 miles away - see map
Headlines
Energy reports 'a waste of time'Lindsey Fallow sAID Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were made using a "glorified spread sheet" and did not recognise advanced technologies.
US to be 'pragmatic on climate'
The US must balance science with what is politically and technologically achievable on climate change, America's lead negotiator has sAID.
RSPB calls for more UK wind farms
There should be a significant increase in the number of wind farms built onshore in the UK, the RSPB has sAID.
'Drastic' reforms on energy urged
"Urgent and drastic" policy and system changes are needed if the UK is to meet EU targets on renewable energy, a House of Lords committee has sAID.
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Where do you point solar panels when you are on the Equator? Up? Go away from the cities in almost any developing country and there are two things that are consistent, there is plenty of sun and little in the way of infrastructure. Where we take for granted the power lines that connect just about every home in such as the UK and a regulated power company that must ensure they always work. In much of the developing world neither the power delivery system exists, and if it does, often there is little emphasis on keeping it running. This is where what we regard as overly expensive solar panels really come into their own. In the UK solar panels might appear a costly way of generating electricity, but for one reason only - we are used to exceptionally cheap energy! (and cheap water, and cheap gas though fairly realistically priced petrol) An off grid solar electric installation can be far cheaper than installing cables to connect a rural community to the grid. Even were the costs comparable, which is the better option:
Providing electric power for a rural community in the developing world can transform their quality of life:
Solar Fridge for Vaccine and medication storage Solar Panel and Lantern system Portable systems suitable for aid and disaster relief
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Install a system that has on-going costs (electric bills) and relies on somebody else maintaining it, has miles of cable (copper likely to be stolen) ;