After visiting several sites regarding this topic I am shocked that I have not seen a single reference to solar power. While the existing power grids are obviously our first priority, could not the government supplement these efforts by encouraging expanded use of solar power? The advantage of this would be a decreased strain on the electricity network once the inevitable blackouts occur, not to mention the long term environmental benefits. Additionally, any homes or businesses reliant on solar power could enjoy unlimited electricity even if all of their neighbors have lost it. Perhaps it is too late for the tax code to be modified in a way favorable to the solar power industry, but the federal government could at least begin a rhetorical campaign to persuade private home owners and construction companies to install solar cells on their residences and uncompleted projects.

-- Anonymous, September 12, 1998

Answers

Solar power is pie in the sky. It does not produce cost effective power. I was at a plant that produces the silicon wafers for solar Panels. After questioning them they admitted the cost of manufacturing the wafers and thus the panels was still too high for mainstream use. It is IRONIC that one of the biggest reasons they gave me was the cost of E-Grid power required to run the equipment that makes the wafers. Also even more IRONIC I was there to connect a device that they receive large discounts on their Electric bill for voluntarily shutting off their load when the E-Grid is having a problem. We recently sent that signal (First time in 13 years) due to a combination of the Heat Storm and De-Regulation. This Solar Panel manufacturer did not shut off and paid around $9.00 a kWh because of the penalty they contractually were obligated to pay. The reason they did not shut down? NO BACK UP POWER SOURCETEOTWAWKI

-- Anonymous, September 12, 1998

Solar cells are useful in independent power production but by themselves are only capable of limited amounts of power whenever used in an area that has limited daylight, extensive cloud cover, etc. HOWEVER, the newest versions are extremely long lived and can pack surprising amounts of energy when the sun is on them. Check out the Real Goods site (www.realgoods.com) for their "Solar Living Sourcebook and info on how independent homestaeders use hybrid systems that use combinations of wind, solar, and fossil generators to produce all of the electricity that a household needs. I'm already planning one of these systems for myself which will use all three suources to keep a bank of industrial batteries (Pacific Chloride 12v) charged which, in turn, will provide the juice to run the house inverters (which make 110v AC out of 12v DC). The windy winters, sunny summers and around 100-200 hours of propane-powered generator use per year (a necessary back-up for long periods of calm, sunless days)will produce all of the power I need. A propane powered refrigerator, propane dryer, and a low power washer reduces the house load on the system and makes the entire project less expensive. Solar power is not "pie-in-the-sky but neither is it a cure-all. It is one of several technologies that can be used together to make it possible to live off-the-grid. Good luck. All success Keith

-- Anonymous, September 15, 1998

You get what you pay for. One must decide what is necessary and what is not necessary to power. If you limit what you power, say to a fridge or freezer or ham radio transceiver, you can purchase a modist system that meets your needs. Remember that brown outs are in many ways worse than blackouts to the equipment. A good solar hybrid system will protect those delicate electrical pieces you have as well as keeping them operational.

-- Anonymous, September 17, 1998