Advantages of Solar Electric Power Part I (draft) by Bill Brown NM Global Warming

Part I from Bill Brown up in Taos
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"As I promised earlier, I include my own DRAFT compilation of advantages and economics of solar electric (solar photovoltaic) power that I am currently researching and polishing for a variety of other purposes. This is only an informational DRAFT that bears considerable scrutiny for errors and omissions. The compilation derives from a broad range of source materials that I am also compiling as a reference list. If you have comments on the draft, please let me know"
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Advantages of Solar Electric Power (Part 1)
Compiled by William M. Brown
Sage West Consultants, May 18, 2008

Solar energy is plentiful. Solar radiation along with secondary solar resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for over 99.9 percent of the available flow of renewable energy on Earth. The flows and stores of solar energy in the environment are vast in comparison to human energy needs. The solar power potential of solar radiation incident upon the 48 contiguous United States is about 10,000 times the USA’s current electricity demand.

Solar power is pollution free during use. The wastes and emissions related to production of solar power are manageable using existing pollution controls.

Solar photovoltaic power generation requires no water other than minor amounts that might be used in manufacturing components. “Conventional” power generation using coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear resources requires 600 to 800 gallons of water for every megawatt-hour of energy produced. The bulk of the water is for cooling purposes in “conventional” power plants, and the water is wasted to the atmosphere as steam.

Solar power arrays can be built using existing technology. Solar cell technology continues to evolve rapidly towards ever greater efficiency and lower cost, but existing technology is proven and applicable to a wide variety of economic demands.

Solar photovoltaic power facilities can operate with little maintenance or intervention after initial setup.

Solar electric power generation is durable for the very long term. A solar power array will produce power for so long as the Sun continues to shine and the system is maintained. Unlike fossil fuel and nuclear power sources, solar power does not require continuous, worldwide exploration for and development of a diminishing supply of fuel.

Solar photovoltaic power is extremely reliable. Solar PV systems can generate electrical power for many thousands of hours with little or no maintenance.

Grid-connected solar electricity can be used locally, thus reducing power transmission and distribution losses. Solar electric generation is economically superior where grid connection using long, high-voltage transmission lines is costly. Long-distance transmission costs are embedded in payments for all forms of power generated at locations remote from the point of use.
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Part II, III, IV and V also posted on current. Search "Advantages in Solar Electric Power"
References/Source Information to be included with later drafts.

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from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com