Thanks for this column, Thom, I've felt that way about solar for a long time. What a waste of valuable space (in the form of solar farms or generating plants, and electrical transmission lines,) when so many homes and buildings and already paved-over areas could have their own power sources - in conjunction with existing power fa…
Thanks for this column, Thom, I've felt that way about solar for a long time. What a waste of valuable space (in the form of solar farms or generating plants, and electrical transmission lines,) when so many homes and buildings and already paved-over areas could have their own power sources - in conjunction with existing power facilities (But of course, the existing power interests want to be our only sources of power.) With improving (and less expensive) battery storage, most people could have more power security and independence, although utility-based electric energy might be cheaper - at least for a while.
As far as solar farms - whether private or public - are concerned, much of the land in and around the panels would be partially shaded (by the panels) and usable for growing certain kinds of (less sun-loving) crops, or for other activities...and such uses are already being studied. Personal (or communal) power would be a win-win for many Americans and people elsewhere. Thanks for letting me bend your ear. R Kiefer
Thanks for this column, Thom, I've felt that way about solar for a long time. What a waste of valuable space (in the form of solar farms or generating plants, and electrical transmission lines,) when so many homes and buildings and already paved-over areas could have their own power sources - in conjunction with existing power facilities (But of course, the existing power interests want to be our only sources of power.) With improving (and less expensive) battery storage, most people could have more power security and independence, although utility-based electric energy might be cheaper - at least for a while.
As far as solar farms - whether private or public - are concerned, much of the land in and around the panels would be partially shaded (by the panels) and usable for growing certain kinds of (less sun-loving) crops, or for other activities...and such uses are already being studied. Personal (or communal) power would be a win-win for many Americans and people elsewhere. Thanks for letting me bend your ear. R Kiefer