All so called Natural Generation methods have consequences …

[Miranda]

I posted this on the wind generation thread But think it’s an important question….


We have a 10KW array here so I’m speaking with a degree of hypocrisy.

I have a question about every form of “safe” power generation, but my major one, just for now, is solar……..

So, if we are trapping more energy on our planet via solar cells, is that not inevitably going to cause more global warming?

 

[brightspark]

I posted this on the wind generation thread But think it’s an important question….


We have a 10KW array here so I’m speaking with a degree of hypocrisy.

I have a question about every form of “safe” power generation, but my major one, just for now, is solar……..

So, if we are trapping more energy on our planet via solar cells, is that not inevitably going to cause more global warming?

how. the panels absorb the energy as does anything else that is painted black or dark in colour

 

[Miranda]

And then that energy is released on Earth. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. First law of thermodynamics. We trap it, it’s here…. Yes we use it, but it doesn’t disappear.

 

[brightspark]

And then that energy is released on Earth. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. First law of thermodynamics. We trap it, it’s here…. Yes we use it, but it doesn’t disappear.

the same as millions of miles of tarmac so whats the problem

 

[Seadog]

The energy has already reached the surface of the earth.

 

[Pete.]

And then that energy is released on Earth. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. First law of thermodynamics. We trap it, it’s here…. Yes we use it, but it doesn’t disappear.

Yep the energy is converted wherever the light lands. If it's on bare ground/water it goes in as heat. Foliage = heat + photosynthesis. The energy that the panel converts to electrical energy is not radiated into the air, because it's no longer available to do that.

 

[Gareth J]

They displace energy that has been locked up for millions of years. Energy which would, not only warm the place up but also add co2

 

[Miranda]

The energy has already reached the surface of the earth.

the same as millions of miles of tarmac so whats the problem

the problems already here

 

[Miranda]

Of course the Earth is being hit with the same amount of solar energy, trapping more on earth to perform “useful” processes inevitably means energy gain. We can’t have useable energy unless we are trapping it and using it.

 

[brightspark]

any suggestions about it

 

[Miranda]

None. Solar is long term bad news but so is wind and tidal/wave all of which will destroy the current eco balance. All these things are ok in small numbers but not when They become mainstream.

just waasayyyyyy tooooo many people

 

[MoreWellie]

don't understand the "trapping" statement, if they produce electricity it has to be better than burning coal to make it. Panels don't "suck" energy from the sun they just convert whatever has arrived here to electricity

I would think the worst problem about solar is the manufacturing and chemicals necessary to produce the panels AND how we dispose of them when they are broken but then that goes for most things we manufacture

 

[hotponyshoes]

That is the basic problem.
Too many people using too much energy.

Unfortunately, as long as people still want "stuff" and other people can make money selling it to them then the state of the planet will continue to decline at faster than natural rates.

On the other hand, the more of us that there are and the faster our various technologies advance, the more chance we have of reaching another habital planet before we wipe ourselves out by destroying this one.

 

[Screwdriver]

So, if we are trapping more energy on our planet via solar cells, is that not inevitably going to cause more global warming?

No.

The only "downside" to solar energy cells is their production. Ripping up the Earths crust to refine exotic elements, the energy cost in production plus the inevitable chemical pollution and waste material and ultimately how they are disposed of or recycled.

While they're up on the roof and chipping away at your bill, they're doing no harm at all.

Of course they are also supporting the CCP and their ambition to rule the world but that is mere politics.

 

[Parm]

The only trapping that happens is if batteries are connected to a solar array.

Without batteries it’s just converted from one form to another as soon as its earth.

it’s been happening for quite a few years

 

[Miranda]

It’s an energy balance. The earth radiates heat as well as absorbing it. If they are in equilibrium, fine.

we start trapping more then it’s not fine…. It’s not just batteries!!! Every time I drive my PHEV on electricity generated by a solar cell, it’s trapped energy being released ( Ok so still technically batteries). .

 

[hotponyshoes]

don't understand the "trapping" statement, if they produce electricity it has to be better than burning coal to make it. Panels don't "suck" energy from the sun they just convert whatever has arrived here to electricity

I would think the worst problem about solar is the manufacturing and chemicals necessary to produce the panels AND how we dispose of them when they are broken but then that goes for most things we manufacture

No.

The only "downside" to solar energy cells is their production. Ripping up the Earths crust to refine exotic elements, the energy cost in production plus the inevitable chemical pollution and waste material and ultimately how they are disposed of or recycled.

While they're up on the roof and chipping away at your bill, they're doing no harm at all.

Of course they are also supporting the CCP and their ambition to rule the world but that is mere politics.

This and this.
All the energy is hitting the earth anyway.
Obviously a solar panel could stop the equivalent amount of grass photosynthesis and we might use the electricity we take from it to make something more harmful but the main issue with renewable is the true cost. How much energy it takes to make and install it.
Compared to how much of a real return it will produce over its lifetime.
Plus you need to take into account the use these things are put too.
If you install your own array and then remove that consumption from the grid to keep your freezer running then thats one thing.
My neighbour has half a warehouse roof covered in them to heat his swimming pool.

 

[Miranda]

This and this.
All the energy is hitting the earth anyway.
Obviously a solar panel could stop the equivalent amount of grass photosynthesis and we might use the electricity we take from it to make something more harmful but the main issue with renewable is the true cost. How much energy it takes to make and install it.
Compared to how much of a real return it will produce over its lifetime.
Plus you need to take into account the use these things are put too.
If you install your own array and then remove that consumption from the grid to keep your freezer running then thats one thing.
My neighbour has half a warehouse roof covered in them to heat his swimming pool.

Plus it inhibits earth radiation

 

[Miranda]

Think I’m on a lone crusade.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Think I’m on a lone crusade.

Looks like it.

I've said it before, what needs to happen is conventional World War 111 - nothing boosts manufacturing like a war.