The cost of solar power

[altyfc]

I have no idea how costly solar panels are, and how costly it is to generate power from them... but it surprises me that there aren't more of these in hot climates. Is it not all that cost effective? Are the upfront/set-up costs high? Is it not popular because of its weather-dependancy?

What are the pros and cons please, someone?

Aaron

I've invited a few solar energy companies to share their views on this with us. Hopefully they'll come along and state the case for solar power (and indeed their companies)

This doesn't look good does it. We have people invited to sell their industry to an environmental forum (captive audience??) and not one company turns up.

Could this be what is wrong with the renewable energy industry? We're here complaining about the fossil fuel giants stifling any hope of innovation when it might just be that the renewables market are hopeless buggers

[altyfc]

More likely they just don't get forums. I've tried this sort of thing on our travel forums in the past. Would have someone asking about accommodation in location X, and would contact loads of accommmodation providers in that area. Rarely did they post. I gave up trying to get members on board by that method in the end as the % that came on, registered and then posted was so slim.

Aaron

Strange isn't it. We basically tell people that here are potential customers actively seeking information about a product or service that you can provide, yet they don't take this up. Not particularly good salesmanship

[Bilby]

Actually heat is bad for PV solar panels.They work off light not heat.It has been suggested that it takes more energy to manufacture a PV solar panel than the amount of energy it will put out in its life time.Others dispute this notion. I could look up some prices. Generally wind generators are more cost effective.

[Bilby]

Peter Pedals , founder of the Rainbow Power Company in Nimbin , NSW has written many articles on the subjct of renewable energy.
The web site:

http://www.rpc.com.au/index.html

[altyfc]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what's a PV solar panel?

Aaron

[Bilby]

Originally Posted by altyfc

Sorry for my ignorance, but what's a PV solar panel?

Aaron

Photo voltaic solar panel as opposed to one that collects hot water for a solar hot water system.

Originally Posted by altyfc

Sorry for my ignorance, but what's a PV solar panel?

Aaron

As a result of this thread I did some phoning around to find out more about the industry. The Energy Saving Trust were very helpful and directed me towards http://www.solarpvgrants.co.uk and http://www.clear-skies.org

I'm also in contact with the British PV Association. As and when I get some information I'll post it here.

Adi