3 ms·
To make the comparision meaningful, you need to compare the efficiency of the whole cycle (sunlight -> solar power -> electricity -> electrolysis -> hydrogen ->
by tomp 8y ago
To make the comparision meaningful, you need to compare the efficiency of the whole cycle (sunlight -> solar power -> electricity -> electrolysis -> hydrogen -> bacteria -> biomass) to photosynthesis (sunlight -> plant -> biomass).
- JumpCrisscross 8y ago> you need to compare the efficiency of the whole cycle Top line, plants are taking 11% while we’re taking—on average—double that. We’re trying to turn the energy into stored calories. Plants are trying to plant. First-order estimates rarely present a more-compelling case.
- tomp 8y agoCool, interesting and fascinating. I can't wait until this is more wide-spread, both for terrestrial and space solutions. You seem to work in this industry, or at least very knowledgeable about it - any other companies you recommend I follow?
- JohnJamesRambo 8y agoI'd say for total transparency, you need to go even further back and calculate the energy and materials cost for making the solar panel. Plants reproduce themselves, and solar panels do not.