Hi- Solar programs are being implemented whereby homeowners put solar on their roofs. Is there a way to get "social proof" and place solar panels where they would be more productive at the same time. For example, put one solar panel on your roof and other panels in a desert area where the panels would be more productive. Or, perhaps have a sticker for your cars and for your recycle bin that says - I support solar. This is a bit of a bunny trail off of Feed in Tarriff discussions.
Bob Beaulaurier
Principal
Research 13
United States
Solar Social Proof
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Bob, I am not a solar engineer, but one of the intentions of solar power was to be "distributed" (on-site and local) and not centralized with all of its inefficiencies and transmission losses and dependencies on large centralized powers. For more reasons on why this is good, see the first 10 or so pages of Amory Lovins "Soft Energy Paths" on the characteristics of centralized and distributed energy systems. On-site energy generation also encourages conservation and efficiency, since you are more directly aware of the full range of energy costs. You will notice, of course, that most solar installations these days are large-scale, which continues the current model of large centralized systems.
Don't forget that over 85 degrees F panels degrade from the heat, so that a solar panel in the 105 degree Arixona desert heat is not necessarily producing more energy than a panel on a nice sunny winter day in New York.
Any solar installers out there to continue the discussion?
Lois Sturm
Neighborhood Energy Network
United States