Naked Science Forum
On the Lighter Side => New Theories => Topic started by: davidjuliowang on 30/04/2006 01:37:07
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New Theory?
Sorry.
This topic isn't strictly a new theory, but, it is a new thing and it does have to do with science and it does have to do with improving the world through scientific ingenuity and it will be interesting for everyone to read (i hope...i think it's wonderful personally).
Energy Costs
Are way up everywhere in the world.
Petroleum is painfully expensive.
Well, the Canadian government has responded by implementing a new program for residents of Ontario whereby they can install solar panels on the roofs of their homes to generate electricity.
Two Meters
Ontario Hydro will install two meters on homes with solar panels on their roofs.
One meter to measure electricity generated by the panels, and one to measure electricity generated by the provincial power grid.
I don't remember from the report whether or not the panels make a homeowner power independent, but I do remember two numbers.
1. $1600 a year is what an individual can look forward to in electricity generation by the panels.
2. $32,000 is the amount it costs to have the panels installed on the roof of a home.
The Homeowners
If you recall in 2003 there was a power outage in the North-East United States (New York was without power) which also affected some of Ontario.
After that experience, people realized that they could not put blind-faith in the power grid.
Some people are turning to self-sufficient energy generation as a course of action and the Canadian government is responding.
My Thoughts
Hurray! for the world!
Another step in the direction of a healthier tomorrow.
And I define a healthier tomorrow, as a road-cyclist, as one where I don't find myself choking on noxious fossil fuel exhaust when I'm going to work.
Go Humanity!
David.
"When Given A Choice Between Two Paths, Take The Third Path." (Talaxian Saying)
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I think that photovoltaics will have their place, but at the moment a 20 year payback time is a long one, there are may far cheaper and more efficient ways of saving and generating electricity we can implement at home long before this makes sense. Of course when PVs get a bit cheaper it will change entirely
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I wasn't familiar with the word "photovoltaics".
Thanks for the new word Dave!
I agree that 20 years is a long time to get one's investment back.
The newsperson making the report said as much.
I personally don't forsee myself implementing the solar cells.
I am gladdened though that the Canadian government is supporting the exploration of alternative energy sources in such a broad way.
I actually participated in a phone survey done by Eickos (a survey company here in Canada) regarding public approval of natural gas.
When it came to the questions about my personal desire to see the government explore alternative energy sources , I answered every one with resounding "Yes's".
I didn't expect to see the results of the survey so quickly.
"When Given A Choice Between Two Paths, Take The Third Path." (Talaxian Saying)
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Payback periods for renewables or for energy conservation are an intriguing concept to me. I have to agree that it is a factor in deciding what to invest in, but I do feel that some people pay too much attention to it. I remember when Toyota started selling the Prius hybrid vehicle, and lots of automobile industry people sniffed at it and said that gasoline prices did not justify the added cost of $3000 per vehicle. Well, people are buying them anyway. But from my viewpoint, if you save enough gas money over the ten years that I would own a car to pay for the added sales price, then it makes sense to get a hybrid- especially since I expect gasoline to cost MORE than $3 per gallon ten years from now.
I note that many people invest in financial instruments such as CDs that give a return similar to the return of a hybrid vehicle. While the payback for a solar array on a rooftop would be longer, I'm not sure that it is out of line- especially as it is also an investment in our grandchildren's future.
chris wiegard