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Besides Musk's viewpoint, I'd argue some simple math. There is vastly more potential power being emanated from the sun every second than there is in the prevail
by zanny 14y ago
Besides Musk's viewpoint, I'd argue some simple math. There is vastly more potential power being emanated from the sun every second than there is in the prevailing winds on Earth's surface. The atmosphere being in differing states of high and low pressure is caused by multiple factors, but heating from the sun is one of them. In the long term, almost all of our power is derived from the sun (with exceptions like geothermal, even hydro is dependent on the water cycle being driven by solar heating) anyway - might as well go directly to the source.
I just easily see the entire planet being powered by some terrestrial satellite grid of solar panels in a few centuries. Capture it in space, transport it to surface via a space elevator or something, maximum efficiency. Would probably also slow global warming since significantly less heat by that point would be reaching the surface (given the size of an artificial ring belt of solar panels we would need to run everything by then!)
- ams6110 14y agoIf you are capturing energy in space, and channeling it to the ground somehow, how have you reduced net energy reaching the surface of the earth?
- NathanKP 14y agoThe energy is in a different form which won't necessarily raise the temperature of the earth as much as the sunlight hitting the earth would have. Not to mention the hydrocarbon based energy sources replaced by the clean electricity wouldn't be contributing further damage to the environment.
- AlexeiSadeski 14y agoWhen that energy which has been beamed down from space is used, it WILL give off heat. Long term, climate management will be necessary regardless.
- jessriedel 14y agoAs I said elsewhere, I believe there is much more wind and solar energy each than humanity's power demands. It's not a question of total energy, it's a question of cost. And my intuition says that wind would be cheaper because it is of higher density. And in fact wind is significantly cheaper in the current situation where renewable sector is so small that variability and storage isn't an issue.
- maxerickson 14y agoWind technology seems quite a bit closer to the best possible implementation than solar, so I would expect more improvement in solar pricing than wind pricing. If solar improves enough, the capital increments become people going to home depot to buy a 1 kW panel.