More opposite thinking ...

[Scuba]

Earlier post ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022265631

[logosoco]

1. It is sad to watch America, that used to be one of the tops in the world get knocked down

and the energy issue is the one thing that is doing it.
The oil companies will keep us tied to oil while even third world countries are using solar, wind and water power.


WAKE THE F UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SidDithers]

2. Half?...

I thought German solar generated 4 or 5% of German electricity?



Sid

[caraher]

3. More like a quarter or an eighth, it turns out

Per Wikipedia, "The share of electricity produced from renewable energy in Germany has increased from 6.3 percent of the national total in 2000 to about 25 percent in the first half of 2012."

A quarter is "renewable" and half of that is wind and solar.

[SidDithers]

4. I think you're still overestimating...

From that same Wiki article:

In July 2012, there was a cumulative installed total solar PV power of 29.7 GW.[17] Solar PV provided 18 TW·h (billion kilowatt-hours) in 2011, 3% of the total electricit demand. As solar power installations rise fastly, in first half of 2012, about 5.3% of the total electricity demand was covered by solar power.[18] At 25 May 2012, a saturday, solar power reached a new record with feeding 22 GW, as much as 20 nuclear power stations, into the German power grid, which made 50% of the nation's midday's electricity demand.[19]

Sid

[truth2power]

5. The point is, why can't Americans do AT LEAST as much as the Germans?...

I'd put solar panels on the roof of my home in a split minute if the cost were subsidized to the extent the oil and gas corps are subsidized.

[FSogol]

9. Our math is behind Germany too!

All goofing aside, the US should be pouring big $$$ into solar R&D.

[SidDithers]

10. Agree completely...

Sid

[caraher]

15. That's just solar

Wind contributes more than solar; but most of the small producers are solar installations, contrary to the suggestion in the graphic.

Either way, nowhere near 50%!

What's especially interesting about the graphic is that the Germans and the US are both engaged in "opposite thinking." Solar is really a pretty inefficient choice for Germany, given the latitude and climate, but their electricity pricing scheme encourages people to install PV. Meanwhile the US is further south (for the most part) and has vast areas that are sunny most days, yet haven't done much by way of consistent national policy to take advantage of that.

[AAO]

6. I'm so ashamed. Greatest Country my ass!

[rhett o rick]

8. Bite your tongue. After all you took the loyality pledge.

[AAO]

11. Nah - I just went for the GED.

[JNelson6563]

7. Reminds me of this pic...

One of my favs:

[abelenkpe]

12. Half is their goal

And they will be there far ahead of us. Which is sad and pathetic....
CA should cover every rooftop with solar panels. Everyday that we don't is a win for big oil and coal who continue to pollute and destroy our country.

[tclambert]

13. So you're saying solar power is Nazi-ism in disguise? Just like puppies!

Hitler loved puppies. And Obama loves puppies, too. See? See how it all connects?

It can only be a good idea if we invented it here in America! Even if it's stupid! The important thing is continued blind support of all oil and coal subsidies. Because that way they can make more billions in profit. And profit is good. So it melts the ice caps. It's PROFITABLE!



(I think I just scared myself into thinking global climate catastrophe is inevitable. Damn. Sarcasm is dangerous.)

[progressoid]

14. The sun is Hitler!!11!

[rhett o rick]

16. Anyone have a link that explains that solar panels are cost effective?

It wasnt too long ago that the energy needed to make and maintain the panels exceeded the energy generated. I think their effective lives have been extended.