[The Red Zone]

Oh, also this is based on the model of using solar power to generate electric power via photocells. Some of which is going to be used again for heat in such things as electric furnaces and toasters. Better to collect the radiation as heat in the first place, for those applications.

I'm not an eco freak, but I perceive there certainly are ways that solar can help America's energy situation.

[Boot Hill]

The Red Zone says:   "...I perceive there certainly are ways that solar can help America's energy situation."

I agree that there are some limited ways solar energy can be put to use. However, it is currently being sold (and funded by your tax dollars) as a serious competitor, alternative and compliment to conventional electrical generation. That's what I've got serious problems with and why I posted this thread. Conservatives need the info at their finger tips to discredit the disciples of solar electric power.

--Boot Hill

[Saturnalia]

It's not going to be a base load, but it certainly can help.
We had a solar water heater for about 12 years, worked wondefully until it broke down.
With proper location (i.e. not Seattle) and usage of lenses (reduction in area of cells needed) one should be able to generate power economically at SOME point.
I'm sure a rooftop installation in Arizona will help with the AC costs, but as large scale power installations, not yet.

Of course I still want to loft solar satellites and beam the power back to earth, but that is even further away.

All grammar/spelling errors are solely the responsibility of my cat.

[upcountryhorseman]

In addition to the inefficencies, there is the problem
of energy storage. If you don't have an existing power grid
to tie into, you must use batteries. This is only feasible
in a residential application.