On Wed, Apr 26, 2006 at 04:55:02PM -0700, Bob Axtell wrote: > > 1. We have calculated that a solar plant that can capture 5 square miles > of desert sunlight will generate enough electricity to > meet the electrical needs of the USA even as the needs expand for the > next 50 years. I have to take issue with this number of square miles. It seems hopelessly optimistic. >From the total 2004 generating capacity was 963E9 Watts. has the best case value of 1020 W/m^2 of solar energy reaching the ground. Using this info, at least 365 mi^2 would be needed to power the U.S., and this is assuming 100% efficiency. A power generation faculty at 50% efficiency would be 40x40 miles. This would be the greatest engineering project mankind ever attempted! I'm all for this, but I'm skeptical whether solar on this scale will beat nuclear on economics alone. Of course I've been very optimistic here, much more that 700 mi^2 will be needed. Multiple solar collection faculties as well... Let's do it. Human kind need challenges any way. Matthew -- "It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education" -- Albert Einstein -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist