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In reply to the discussion: New Report: Solar could provide 100% of world's energy needs by 2050 using only 1% of world's land [View all]Confusious
(8,317 posts)71. Yes, but there's a reason it's only used when there's no other choice
It takes a massive amount of energy. Energy which will be lost as you try and use it for storage.
Which means you have to add more PV to take that into account.
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New Report: Solar could provide 100% of world's energy needs by 2050 using only 1% of world's land [View all]
FourScore
Jan 2013
OP
Luckily we've sold them plenty of weapons so when their economies go to shit...
progressoid
Jan 2013
#12
1% of the land we have now or 1% of what will be left after the ice caps melt?
Motown_Johnny
Jan 2013
#4
I think that could be done but it would be more like WWII level of societal effort
Fumesucker
Jan 2013
#14
Roofs? Parking lots? and then of course vacant land. A lot here, a lot there in parts of
JDPriestly
Jan 2013
#86
There's a lot of unused land in the US right now. We could make this work if we wanted to.
MessiahRp
Jan 2013
#109
People who think solar energy is unrealistic do not live in Arizona, New Mexico or Southern
JDPriestly
Jan 2013
#89
But you put the panels on roofs and buildings and parking lots as well as desert land.
JDPriestly
Jan 2013
#90
We will probably need to do some of each. Homes, schools and desert solar ranches.
JDPriestly
Jan 2013
#116
And not only that, if one of the worlds volcanoes erupts, solar efficiencies could/will plummet.
RC
Jan 2013
#48
Electric cars would help store the power and keep the grid going at night. Also don't forget wind.
rightsideout
Jan 2013
#42
Everybody knows computers will be better and cheaper next year, does that inhibit
PoliticAverse
Jan 2013
#79
Daily Kos diarist got it wrong; not 'worldwide', in selected locations
muriel_volestrangler
Jan 2013
#51
Shhh! Don't upset the nukers with such ideas. It doesn't fit into the future of life on
leveymg
Jan 2013
#54
While the US was executing the PNAC plan, Germany became the leader in PV
green for victory
Jan 2013
#58
"I do not think we have a long time before we all realize that this needs to be top priority"
green for victory
Jan 2013
#67
Except they will never be allowed to build it because of a few endangered species
n2doc
Jan 2013
#68
Possibilities aren't necessarily realities. Fossil fuels remain most profitable.
joshcryer
Jan 2013
#77
Actually, less than 1/10 of 1% of the planet. 0.08% with 20% efficient modules.
NYC_SKP
Jan 2013
#80
But we only need to cover 1% of the oceans with oil slicks to do it with oil'
grahamhgreen
Jan 2013
#94
The global economy CAN work that way if enough international cooperation gets underway.
randome
Jan 2013
#103
check out the solar towers here- going up in AZ and TX, i think. pretty f'in cool!
farminator3000
Jan 2013
#118