[Alvin]

Obviously it's currently frigid winter in most of continental USA with snow, ice, and rain.

That said; I'd really like to hear native Minnesotan's opinions and input on this PUC Judicial decision for Xcel Energy to invest $250 million in solar arrays instead of natural gas generators. They are talking of arrays covering over 70 acres.

The visual comes to my mind of snow/ice/rain/cloud/storm covered solar arrays at this time of year, which would make the panels ineffective, producing little to no energy. No mention if these panels will be domestic USA, Korean, or China mfg'd. Link http://www.startribune.com/business/238322571.html

What am I missing here?

[pugslyx234]

The modules only last atleast max 20 years and if the projects arnt govt subsidized it just aint worth it. Its ok if your off the grid but thats it you gotta have batteries, converters, massive room etc. They do work in cloudy conditions but arnt as productive and if dark it uses power from the ***** load of batteries and out here our power company wont invest to receive the power back from solar off homes because of the investment not worth it right now. And most of the panels are made in China cause of cheap labor I know this for sure because solarworld in hillsboro Oregon shut down all of their xtal growing machines and buying their **** from china and then making their modules there in hillsboro and calling it MADE in the USA believe that. I have alot of connections in that facility that ive known for almost 30 years. check out Solarworld a German owed company and not a very good one at that.

[pugslyx234]

Oh yea I forgot solarworld got oregon to give them millions in tax credits to equipt this facility then turned around and sold a million dollars of tax credsits to Walmart for pennies on the dollar for cash just ask the state of oregon how they feel being shafted like that then stupidworld laid off a bunch of people. Minn will be sorry, I believe its money corruption of officials lining pockets. Wait and see.

[Half-Inch Stud]

How's that Solar power working for ya in Minni?



My text "Solar Energy & Thermal processes" has a ton of data on Madison WI, says
May thru Aug averages 9-10 hours Sunshine.
Nov thru Feb averages 4-5 hours Sunshine.
says peak illuminance occurs between 9AM & 10AM on cloudy days in WABASHA!

[zephyrracer]

Two places here in Michigan Gov Granholm gave 125 mil two one company 175 mil to another after the money ran out the Company's shut down, the State dept spent 7 mil to solar power their building so after 4 years they have recouped 25,000 dollars in savings, a long way to go to recoup the tax payer money. Tax credit to the left loop hole to the right.


Public enemy number one the news media number two people that don't do their civic duty' Be careful out there surf and sloth 40k new laws this year, Freedom Lost.

Gregg

[pugslyx234]

Oops sorry used a couple of bad words. Forgot there are a couple other solar jokes in Oregon, Sanyo, Memc. Only decent company is in Wa and thats SEH America. All non union low payin, high benefits cost, but they all still want millions from tax payers and idiot Governors throw $$$ at them.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud

How's that Solar power working for ya in Minni?

My text "Solar Energy & Thermal processes" has a ton of data on Madison WI, says
May thru Aug averages 9-10 hours Sunshine.
Nov thru Feb averages 4-5 hours Sunshine.
says peak illuminance occurs between 9AM & 10AM on cloudy days in WABASHA!

The above highlight is exactly why I asked. Couple the limited Sunshine hours with tihe potential snowpack, ice coverage on Solar collector reflectors and I wonder how it could be profitable over NG...of course the "gas price spike" due to "increased demand" is the same old trick, so price per million cubic ft also a consideration for speculation of future kilowatt generation planning.

Collection and transmission of generated power seems to be same issue that's limited many Wind Farm generated power from increasing % in replacement of HydroCarbon fuels used for power generation.

Below are a few of the solar collectors that I believe may have issues in current winter conditions, such as "potential snowpack, ice coverage on Solar collector reflectors" even utilizing "energy heat storage tanks power" to run heat tapes, defrost cycles via imbedded heaters, etc. also seems counter to actual power production w solar in current winter conditions?





Army Solar Portable units