On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:15:02 GMT, wrote in
:

Larry Dighera wrote:

On average around the world, sunlight delivers a barrel of oil of
energy on every square meter of land every year. At $100 a barrel,
a 100m2 roof is receiving $10,000/yr of energy - a quarter of a
million dollars over 25 years. With photovoltaic systems we can
convert up to 20% of this raw energy directly into electricity.

Electricity has little to nothing to do with oil.


Perhaps not directly, but if the GM Volt* (and hybrid autos) is(are)
successful, the replacement of the current crop of gas guzzling SUVs
with alternatively powered automobiles could eventually impact oil
consumption in the US due, not only to their not using (as much)
petroleum, but also due to their increased efficiency (MPG). Add to
that the use of solar energy to fuel them, thus replacing/reducing the
current requirement for petroleum.


This is just apples and oranges arm waving.

You've got to look beyond the obvious to appreciate how solar power
can impact oil consumption. If hybrid automobiles provide higher MPG
ratings, and solar power spins electric meters backwards, I would
anticipate petroleum consumption to be reduced. Don't you agree?


The other minor problem no one cares to address is that contrary to
what most people think, peak electricity demand is typically after
sundown.


We are both California residents. As I recall, the rolling
blackouts** of the beginning of this century occurred during the day
primarily due to air conditioning loads. Are you able to cite any
statistics that support your assertion that "peak electricity demand
is typically after sundown?" I can see where illumination loads might
increase, but other loads should be significantly reduced at night,
IMO.





* http://gm-volt.com/
Q: How many miles per gallon will the Chevy Volt get?
A: A bit of a trick question. For the first 40 miles it will get
infinite mpg, because no gas will be burned. When the generator
starts, the car will get an equivalent of 50 mpg thereafter. One
can calculate the average mpg per for any length drive starting
with a full battery: Total MPG = 50xM/(M-40)

Q: What is the cost of operation of the car
A: With current average U.S. electric rates of ~10 cents/kwh it
should cost 80 cents to drive for the first 40 miles, and then 50
mpg thereafter using gasoline (market rate).



** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolling...out#California