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Why would you think that natural photosynthesis is worst then artificial one?

• turtledove 4y ago
  Because natural photosynthesis is more complex and is in service of growing a plant, so it only needs to run for a little part of the day. It also takes water and needs to be protected from pests, diseases, and herbivores. But it also sequesters carbon, and if planted well can be entirely self sustaining. So, neither is better, both are good. We need to plant more trees and place more solar panels.
• ncmncm 4y ago
  Who thinks that? But solar panels can convert north of 20% of incident light to usable power. The most efficient known plant chemistry can convert 4% of incident light to sugar, the principal constituent of cellulose. Most plants are at 2%. But of course we have needs for such output not satisfied by electric current.
• eointierney 4y ago
  I don't think it's "worse" is the intention, but rather that we need electricity as well as photosynthesis, and combining the two effectively is efficient for us. And now "it from bit" rears its beautiful head.
• deleted 4y ago
  [deleted]