Solar power first for jail

A wildlife centre and a prison are to get money for solar power projects in the battle to fight climate change.

Energy Minister Mike O'Brien said renewable power schemes would get under way at Edinburgh Prison and the National Wildlife Centre in Liverpool.

Seventeen projects, including schools, community centres and businesses, have been chosen nationwide for grants worth A£1.4 million out of a total Government funding of A£40 million for solar power.

Do people think prisons and other public buildings are a good location for solar power?

I think the government have to take a lead with this. If they can show people that it works and makes a real difference to the climate change situation then I'm sure more organisations will start using solar power and other renewable energy sources on their own premises.

[Haanu]

I agree with the previous posters and that the governments of Europe should do alot more to aid this kind of iniative.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Haanu

I agree with the previous posters and that the governments of Europe should do alot more to aid this kind of iniative.

Funny you should mention this as a local high school has recently received alot of money from the EU (I think) to get a new roof made partially out of solar panels. They expect the new roof to cut energy costs by as much as 25% per year.

[railgal]

Originally Posted by adi

Do people think prisons and other public buildings are a good location for solar power?

I travel 133 miles every other day, here in the middle of the United States.
I see several roofs, including a newly constructed prison, that only get shade if there are clouds in the skies.
PV systems would save these farmers, businesses and state government, thousands in utility dollars.
But suggesting such a thing, to a farmer, a business owner, or even legislators only gets you a look a hatred.
It is as if I were suggesting that they eat their children.
I find these people are penny wise, but dollar foolish.
All they can see is the initial cost.
Here in the US there are PV systems that have been in place for 30 years and have only experience a 5% reduction in output. And these systems are not even as efficent as what is available today.
How do we get local and federal governments to do more then lip service, here in the United States?

[Simon]

How do we get local and federal governments to do more then lip service, here in the United States?

I think it has to be approached in the same way that any other industry approaches these things, ie alot of marketing and promotion. I mentioned on another thread that the solar industry in the UK is terrible at promoting their products, hence why so many seem ignorant of the benefits available.

I know Adi has invited several solar companies along to this place with little success. If they don't want to promote their products to a bunch of people who really care for the environment then you have to wonder what the heck they're doing.

[railgal]

I think that the Photo Voltaic businesses don't post, because they already have more then enough customers. My experience with suppliers is that they don't have time for questions.
Personally, I am trying to get my family involve in the possibility of opening our own business.
But I am running into the same brick wall of resistance that we experience from the ignorant masses.
My husband tells me that this is a fly by night idea, and will never work.
So now I am trying to convince him that we should put in a grid-tied system to reduce our electric bill.

[Simon]

Tell him he gets no hanky panky until he supports your idea, sure he'd soon come around

[mgopilot]

Originally Posted by railgal

I think that the Photo Voltaic businesses don't post, because they already have more then enough customers. My experience with suppliers is that they don't have time for questions.
Personally, I am trying to get my family involve in the possibility of opening our own business.
But I am running into the same brick wall of resistance that we experience from the ignorant masses.
My husband tells me that this is a fly by night idea, and will never work.
So now I am trying to convince him that we should put in a grid-tied system to reduce our electric bill.

Solar electric is no fly by night deal, and it sure is nice to have power when others have brown/blackouts.
I hope you are studying several books for self-install. The grid tie systems are more expensive, and more dangerous to install. You should have no problems if you follow the directions.
Our local utility doesn't encourage solar or energy efficiency, and in fact, their rules encourage development at cost to the little guy. Screw them! I got no government break for being solar either. The million solar roofs deal was bunk, so it was with defiance that I went totally independent. We adjust our lifestyle to the sun, like less TV on cloudy days.

[railgal]

Solar electric is no fly by night deal, and it sure is nice to have power when others have brown/blackouts.
I hope you are studying several books for self-install. The grid tie systems are more expensive, and more dangerous to install. You should have no problems if you follow the directions.
Our local utility doesn't encourage solar or energy efficiency, and in fact, their rules encourage development at cost to the little guy. Screw them! I got no government break for being solar either. The million solar roofs deal was bunk, so it was with defiance that I went totally independent. We adjust our lifestyle to the sun, like less TV on cloudy days.[/quote]

Good for you, Mgopilot.
There is less and less to watch on T.V. anyway.
I would go completely off the grid, but I have to take tiny steps with so many non-believers around me. I am reading lots of books. And presently waiting for more to arrive. As the local book stores and libraries don't seem carry them on the shelves here. You can order them, but they are not going to keep them in stock.