Archive:000/Solar power - Revision history

Elie: Elie moved page Solar power to Archive:000/Solar power without leaving a redirect: Huge_refactor

2024-10-26T20:30:11Z

Elie moved page Solar power to Archive:000/Solar power without leaving a redirect: Huge_refactor

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:30, 26 October 2024
(No difference)

Elie: Elie moved page Solar to Solar power over a redirect without leaving a redirect: Want solar to redirect to photovoltaics

2023-11-03T20:01:47Z

Elie moved page Solar to Solar power over a redirect without leaving a redirect: Want solar to redirect to photovoltaics

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:01, 3 November 2023
(No difference)

Elie: /* Types */

2023-11-03T20:00:26Z

Types

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:00, 3 November 2023
Line 2:		Line 2:

	==Types==		==Types==
	* [[Photovoltaics]] (PV) (solar panels) - ~~generate electricity~~		* [[Photovoltaics]] (PV) ([[solar panels]]) - '''most common type''' of solar power
	* [[Solar thermal panels]] - use sunlight to directly heat air or water, without involving electricity		* [[Concentrator photovoltaics]]
	* [[Concentrated solar]] - produce high heat by focusing enough sunlight into one area. The heat can be then used for generating electricity or for industrial processes.		* [[Solar thermal panels]] - {{light\|use sunlight to directly heat air or water, without involving electricity}}
	<!-- TALK: maybe also mention here:		* [[Concentrated solar thermal]] - {{light\|produce high heat by focusing enough sunlight into one area. The heat can be then used for generating electricity or for industrial processes.}}
	* combined photovoltaic+thermal panels		<!-- TALK: maybe also mention here: combined photovoltaic+thermal panels -->
	* concentrator photovoltaics, distinct from concentrated solar heat
	-->

	==Viability==		==Viability==

Elie: Added category

2023-07-31T01:27:27Z

Added category

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:27, 30 July 2023
Line 33:		Line 33:

	Only a small fraction of energy demands must be truly [[baseload]] power.		Only a small fraction of energy demands must be truly [[baseload]] power.


			[[Category:Energy sources]]

Elie: /* Viability */

2023-01-27T17:55:53Z

Viability

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:55, 27 January 2023
Line 11:		Line 11:

	==Viability==		==Viability==
	It's ''possible'' for solar power to provide most of the world's energy and '''replace [[fossil fuels]]'''. The [[land]] usage [[:File:solar-land-requirements.png\|would be moderate]], and [[rooftop solar]] could be the main source. However, this comes with some major challenges:		It's ''possible'' for solar power to provide most of the world's energy and '''replace [[fossil fuels]]'''. The [[land]] usage [[:File:solar-land-requirements.png\|would be moderate]], and [[rooftop solar]] could be the main source.<!-- TALK: issue: the map estimates a much higher land requirement than the rooftop solar page does. There are some reasons for this (not terrible reasons), but it needs to be addressed/explained somewhere on the wiki. --> However, this comes with some major challenges:

	===[[/challenge 1\|Challenge #1:]] Low-environmental-impact solar panels===		===[[/challenge 1\|Challenge #1:]] Low-environmental-impact solar panels===

Elie: /* Viability */Rephrased to hopefully make the message a bit more clear

2023-01-03T16:49:15Z

Viability: Rephrased to hopefully make the message a bit more clear

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:49, 3 January 2023
Line 10:		Line 10:
	-->		-->

	==~~Scenario~~==		==Viability==
	~~Solar~~ power ~~could potentially~~ provide most of the world's energy and '''replace [[fossil fuels]]'''. The [[land]] usage would be ~~very small~~,~~<!--TODO: add calculation-->~~ and [[rooftop solar]] could ~~provide~~ the ~~majority of energy~~. However, this comes with some major challenges:		It's ''possible'' for solar power to provide most of the world's energy and '''replace [[fossil fuels]]'''. The [[land]] usage [[:File:solar-land-requirements.png\|would be moderate]], and [[rooftop solar]] could be the main source. However, this comes with some major challenges:

	===[[/challenge 1\|Challenge #1:]] Low-environmental-impact solar panels===		===[[/challenge 1\|Challenge #1:]] Low-environmental-impact solar panels===

Elie: /* Scenario */

2023-01-03T06:52:34Z

Scenario

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:52, 3 January 2023
Line 13:		Line 13:
	Solar power could potentially provide most of the world's energy and '''replace [[fossil fuels]]'''. The [[land]] usage would be very small,<!--TODO: add calculation--> and [[rooftop solar]] could provide the majority of energy. However, this comes with some major challenges:		Solar power could potentially provide most of the world's energy and '''replace [[fossil fuels]]'''. The [[land]] usage would be very small,<!--TODO: add calculation--> and [[rooftop solar]] could provide the majority of energy. However, this comes with some major challenges:

	===[[~~solar~~ challenge 1\|Challenge #1:]] Low-environmental-impact solar panels===		===[[/challenge 1\|Challenge #1:]] Low-environmental-impact solar panels===

	Currently, the most popular types of solar panels involve [[solar panel minerals\|too many rare minerals]]. We couldn't scale them up enough even if we tried - there simply aren't enough of certain minerals in the Earth that can be mined. Mining also comes with environmental destruction and in some cases, child labor. <!-- maybe also mention that [[solar panel recycling]] is extremely limited and who knows if it'll get any better for the current wave of photovoltaics--> <!-- maybe also mention the good: the [[energy payback]] of solar panels is reasonable -->		Currently, the most popular types of solar panels involve [[solar panel minerals\|too many rare minerals]]. We couldn't scale them up enough even if we tried - there simply aren't enough of certain minerals in the Earth that can be mined. Mining also comes with environmental destruction and in some cases, child labor. <!-- maybe also mention that [[solar panel recycling]] is extremely limited and who knows if it'll get any better for the current wave of photovoltaics--> <!-- maybe also mention the good: the [[energy payback]] of solar panels is reasonable -->

Elie: /* Scenario */

2023-01-03T06:05:40Z

Scenario

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:05, 3 January 2023
Line 21:		Line 21:
	# We need to be able to create [[rooftop solar\|approximately 375,000 km^2]] of solar panels globally, without exceeding the reserves of any minerals.		# We need to be able to create [[rooftop solar\|approximately 375,000 km^2]] of solar panels globally, without exceeding the reserves of any minerals.
	# If the solar panels still contain ''some'' scarce minerals, they need to be fully recoverable upon [[solar panel recycling\|recycling]].		# If the solar panels still contain ''some'' scarce minerals, they need to be fully recoverable upon [[solar panel recycling\|recycling]].
	# The ''energy payback time''{{x\|defined as: {energy needed to ~~manufacture~~ the panels} divided by {power output of the panels, averaged over the full day cycle}. But also, if recyclability is needed as per requirement #2 above, then the energy of recycling ''also'' has to be factored in.}} should be ''significantly shorter'' than the lifespan of the panels. {{x\|i.e. for panels with a 30-year lifespan, they should pay back the energy in 4 years or less. Preferable a 1-year payback - which could very well be achieveable. The first solar panels would still have to be manufactured using fossil fuel energy. Eventually after getting the ball rolling, [[solar powered factories]] would be viable.}}		# The ''energy payback time''{{x\|defined as: {energy needed to produce the panels, including all their primary materials} divided by {power output of the panels, averaged over the full day-night cycle}. But also, if recyclability is needed as per requirement #2 above, then the energy of recycling ''also'' has to be factored in.}} should be ''significantly shorter'' than the lifespan of the panels. {{x\|i.e. for panels with a 30-year lifespan, they should pay back the energy in 4 years or less. Preferable a 1-year payback - which could very well be achieveable. The first solar panels would still have to be manufactured using fossil fuel energy. Eventually after getting the ball rolling, [[solar powered factories]] would be viable.}}
	# The solar panels don't have to be particularly efficient. 8% efficiency would probably be good enough. {{x\|Today's most popular rooftop solar panels are about 17% efficient but too mineral intensive. Half that efficiency might still be enough to meet energy demand including charging [[electric vehicles]]. If not, then more solar panels would have to be manufactured, which is likely still viable as long as requirements 1,2,3 are met.}}		# The solar panels don't have to be particularly efficient. 8% efficiency would probably be good enough. {{x\|Today's most popular rooftop solar panels are about 17% efficient but too mineral intensive. Half that efficiency might still be enough to meet energy demand including charging [[electric vehicles]]. If not, then more solar panels would have to be manufactured, which is likely still viable as long as requirements 1,2,3 are met.}}

Elie: /* Scenario */

2023-01-03T05:54:29Z

Scenario

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:54, 3 January 2023
Line 22:		Line 22:
	# If the solar panels still contain ''some'' scarce minerals, they need to be fully recoverable upon [[solar panel recycling\|recycling]].		# If the solar panels still contain ''some'' scarce minerals, they need to be fully recoverable upon [[solar panel recycling\|recycling]].
	# The ''energy payback time''{{x\|defined as: {energy needed to manufacture the panels} divided by {power output of the panels, averaged over the full day cycle}. But also, if recyclability is needed as per requirement #2 above, then the energy of recycling ''also'' has to be factored in.}} should be ''significantly shorter'' than the lifespan of the panels. {{x\|i.e. for panels with a 30-year lifespan, they should pay back the energy in 4 years or less. Preferable a 1-year payback - which could very well be achieveable. The first solar panels would still have to be manufactured using fossil fuel energy. Eventually after getting the ball rolling, [[solar powered factories]] would be viable.}}		# The ''energy payback time''{{x\|defined as: {energy needed to manufacture the panels} divided by {power output of the panels, averaged over the full day cycle}. But also, if recyclability is needed as per requirement #2 above, then the energy of recycling ''also'' has to be factored in.}} should be ''significantly shorter'' than the lifespan of the panels. {{x\|i.e. for panels with a 30-year lifespan, they should pay back the energy in 4 years or less. Preferable a 1-year payback - which could very well be achieveable. The first solar panels would still have to be manufactured using fossil fuel energy. Eventually after getting the ball rolling, [[solar powered factories]] would be viable.}}
	# The solar panels don't have to be particularly efficient. 8% efficiency would probably be good enough. {{x\|Today's most popular rooftop solar panels are about 17% efficient but too mineral intensive. Half that efficiency is ~~probably enough~~		# The solar panels don't have to be particularly efficient. 8% efficiency would probably be good enough. {{x\|Today's most popular rooftop solar panels are about 17% efficient but too mineral intensive. Half that efficiency might still be enough to meet energy demand including charging [[electric vehicles]]. If not, then more solar panels would have to be manufactured, which is likely still viable as long as requirements 1,2,3 are met.}}

	===Challenge #2: [[Energy storage]]===		===Challenge #2: [[Energy storage]]===

Elie: Created page with "Solar power uses the sun as an energy source. ==Types== * Photovoltaics (PV) (solar panels) - generate electricity * Solar thermal panels - use sunlight to directly heat air or water, without involving electricity * Concentrated solar - produce high heat by focusing enough sunlight into one area. The heat can be then used for generating electricity or for industrial processes.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:05, 3 January 2023
Line 21:		Line 21:
	# We need to be able to create [[rooftop solar\|approximately 375,000 km^2]] of solar panels globally, without exceeding the reserves of any minerals.		# We need to be able to create [[rooftop solar\|approximately 375,000 km^2]] of solar panels globally, without exceeding the reserves of any minerals.
	# If the solar panels still contain ''some'' scarce minerals, they need to be fully recoverable upon [[solar panel recycling\|recycling]].		# If the solar panels still contain ''some'' scarce minerals, they need to be fully recoverable upon [[solar panel recycling\|recycling]].
	# The ''energy payback time''{{x\|defined as: {energy needed to ~~manufacture~~ the panels} divided by {power output of the panels, averaged over the full day cycle}. But also, if recyclability is needed as per requirement #2 above, then the energy of recycling ''also'' has to be factored in.}} should be ''significantly shorter'' than the lifespan of the panels. {{x\|i.e. for panels with a 30-year lifespan, they should pay back the energy in 4 years or less. Preferable a 1-year payback - which could very well be achieveable. The first solar panels would still have to be manufactured using fossil fuel energy. Eventually after getting the ball rolling, [[solar powered factories]] would be viable.}}		# The ''energy payback time''{{x\|defined as: {energy needed to produce the panels, including all their primary materials} divided by {power output of the panels, averaged over the full day-night cycle}. But also, if recyclability is needed as per requirement #2 above, then the energy of recycling ''also'' has to be factored in.}} should be ''significantly shorter'' than the lifespan of the panels. {{x\|i.e. for panels with a 30-year lifespan, they should pay back the energy in 4 years or less. Preferable a 1-year payback - which could very well be achieveable. The first solar panels would still have to be manufactured using fossil fuel energy. Eventually after getting the ball rolling, [[solar powered factories]] would be viable.}}
	# The solar panels don't have to be particularly efficient. 8% efficiency would probably be good enough. {{x\|Today's most popular rooftop solar panels are about 17% efficient but too mineral intensive. Half that efficiency might still be enough to meet energy demand including charging [[electric vehicles]]. If not, then more solar panels would have to be manufactured, which is likely still viable as long as requirements 1,2,3 are met.}}		# The solar panels don't have to be particularly efficient. 8% efficiency would probably be good enough. {{x\|Today's most popular rooftop solar panels are about 17% efficient but too mineral intensive. Half that efficiency might still be enough to meet energy demand including charging [[electric vehicles]]. If not, then more solar panels would have to be manufactured, which is likely still viable as long as requirements 1,2,3 are met.}}