Gov’t Built Solar House Falls Apart

[Wes Tausend]

Originally Posted by VRM

Wes,
They built them at their own universities, transported them, and... ...I suspect that some of our houses would not pass the tests that these solar ones had to go through.

Steve

Steve,
I have to agree that the testing was inordinately intricate although I was likely half asleep when I watched it. I think in cases like this, the projects are "built to failure". We could all agree more is learned if all of us understand the engineering concept.

The program was somewhat humorous and heartbreaking in the Murphy's Law dept. Like I say, it reminds me of some of the Cobra-build snafu's. I took Fred's humorous comments to reflect this while he teased you. In effect we are all window-lickers.

Originally Posted by Ron61

...Some of the solar panels were damaged by hail, and the batteries couldn't store enough to last two days of rain or darkness...

Ron,

I suspect hail damage could be mitigated by the old Alaska Highway technique (now paved). The old graveled AH had so many thrown rocks, it was recommended that the windshield and headlights be shielded by a metal screen to save breaking. Perhaps 3/8 inch mesh. There is some associated "shade" loss.

The Chinese will probably soon invent a superior solar panel since they are short on resources. Unless they conquer Russia with it's vast reserves, God forbid. First gunpowder then solar, those rascals. I think solar is, at best about 20% efficient now. Some think we will see 80% in the near future.

One of the reasons I haven't had as much time to post here was we bought a camper last year. So I did do some internet research into RV ownership questions I had. In that course, I ran into essays on solar and wind power for primitive camping (I'm a info-junky sucker for getting sidetracked). Solar is also partly popular for camping when it is in a populated site because it is much quieter than noisy gas or even wind generators. Solar already works extremely well when minimal power is needed by conserving it, using LED lighting etc. Refrigeration can be adequately done with solid state (also known as thermoelectric). A.C.? Forget it. Maybe next year.

Wes

...

[Ron61]

Right here in this area, wind power would be iffy at best. We don't have much wind normally as the mountains block most of it. I am talking to a friend of mine who a few years ago sold his world wide electronics company and started a solar company. He lives in the Bay Area and has been up here a lot of times and he said with what they have to offer now he thinks I would save money by paying the higher rates as it takes so many panels to generate enough electricity to be practical for most homes in an area like this.
I have visited the wind farms down toward Livermore and talked to the techs there and they told me there was a lot of upkeep on those turbines. Of course they are huge and they have steady wind in that area almost all the time.

Ron