Solar Thermal:The Other Solar Energy

Fred Etcheverry — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:25:47 +0000

The American smart grid promises to increase the efficiency of solar voltaic and wind energy. These sources are still limited to about a 20 to 30% of our electric demand. With current technology, they cannot replace base-load (constant output sources) such as coal that supplies 50% of US electricity. In about ten years, solar thermal may compete with coal as a base-load source.

The European Union is investigating connecting a smart grid to solar thermal generators in Egypt and the Mediterranean. Mexico is also investigating solar thermal. Test plants have been built in Spain, California and Colorado.

Education for a Smart Grid and Green Technology

Fred Etcheverry — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:36:15 +0000

Barack Obama has pledged a stimulus package to resuscitate the economy. His plan contains a public works component. Certainly, repairing the nation’s dilapidated roads and bridges will help solve the high unemployment in construction. While such a project should have high priority, redesigning and rebuilding the electric grid should also have a high priority.

Such a state-of-the-art “smart grid” can increase the efficiency of green energy sources. It will require a trained workforce and extensive educational programs.
A smart grid is the computerized version of the network that brings us our electricity. It utilizes the instrument and control technology that is commonplace in factories. It will insure that power is delivered where and when it is needed and energy sources — especially green sources — are used most efficiently.

Green Options » solar voltaic

Solar Thermal:The Other Solar Energy

Education for a Smart Grid and Green Technology