Comments on: Coldest Parts of Earth Have the Best Solar (PV) Potential, Study Finds

By: Justin Ahlquist

Justin Ahlquist — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 21:55:00 +0000

Sounds like poor research to me. The coldest places tend to have inversion, so now your panel is coated in ice which requires heating elements that negate the energy production. I live in -40f territory and our use of solar panels consistently is an issue with automation causing of 24v batteries and systems to fail and die.

By: Geoff Thomas

Geoff Thomas — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:05:00 +0000

Cold panels, esp. Mono and Poly crystalline panels, are more efficient, – up to 30% if they are cold, because their voltage is much higher, – as long as they have a Maximum Power Point Tracker to convert that high voltage to higher amps, but the closer you are to the equator the more Solar energy is possible, (should it not be raining) – even with MPPTs there is no where near as much sunlight in Germany as in Queensland so each situation needs to be looked at carefully.
Cheers,
Geoff Thomas.

By: Why Solar is Exploding – in Maine « Climate Denial Crock of the Week

Why Solar is Exploding – in Maine « Climate Denial Crock of the Week — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:03:38 +0000

[…] Why some of the Coldest Areas have Best Solar Potential: […]

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:01:00 +0000

Solar facilities in out of the way places will bring income to those locations.

As Europe builds its “Desertec” system they will be installing a lot of PV and thermal solar facilities in North Africa. That is going to mean both more power for the locals and jobs building and running those facilities.

I doubt it would make any sense to build solar farms high in the Himalayas where snow would be an issue, but up a mile high or so the air is clear, there’s not much snow, and people would love some income sources.

I have no idea if bouncing power up and back down would make sense. But it seems that it might make more sense than putting the panels in space. Lift costs are enormous.

By: Daniela

Daniela — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:29:00 +0000

One thing I always liked about solar power is that it’s right there. I have no idea what the energy implications of microwaving rays from space is but that sounds like a lot of work.

I hope that the availability of solar power in uninhabited regions does not lead to unsustainable development in those regions.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:44:00 +0000

We have these locations were solar panels would kick out the power but are not very usable due to transmission issues. Throw in the far north and far south polar regions with 24 hour sun during parts of the year.

The Japanese are going forward with putting panels in space and microwaving the power back down.

Might it work to put the panels on Earth, microwave the power up to orbiting satellites and distribute it back down to where it’s needed? It seems like our money would be better spent not putting acres of panels into orbit.