a micro-grid revolution
Consider that the entire 5 kiloWatt energy system on the Arc, which supplies not only our propulsion power, but also all the electricity and thermal energy we need for refrigeration, air conditioning, water heating, lighting, and consumer electronics, cost less than $10,000 in materials to build, most of that at retail prices.(it would be $7500 today) The Arc, constructed of steel reinforced concrete, with all the modern conveniences, is pretty much the equivalent of a small waterfront home. Now this living arrangement is certainly not for everyone, operating off the grid takes a little extra effort, and not everyone would be content with 450 square feet of living area, even with the awesome back porch. But the exact same technology can definitely be applied to anyone's home or business with the same results, energy independence. Because once you've capitalize the hardware, there are no fuel costs. The energy rains down on your house from above, you collect it, you store some of it for later, and you use it when you need it.
Florida does not "NEED" more nuclear power facilities but the utility industry wants them and they want them bad because this is the easiest, most PROFITABLE way for them to meet the energy requirements of consumers. Aggressively increasing our energy efficiency and applying point source energy production technology such as solar heating and rooftop photovoltaics universally across the grid may be better for the economy, cleaner for the environment, and cheaper for consumers in the long run, but it is in direct contradiction to the business model of the electric utility industry.
The issues surrounding the idea of aggressive energy conservation and the development of distributed solar energy are very complicated. Investor owned utilities certainly have their own spin on all this of course, and it is very confusing to the average consumer. But here are two articles I encourage everyone to read by a fellow named David Roberts who writes for www.grist.org that may help you sort it out a little.
http://grist.org/climate-energy/solar-panels-could-destroy-u-s-utilities-according-to-u-s-utilities/
http://grist.org/climate-energy/how-can-we-boost-distributed-solar-and-save-utilities-at-the-same-time/
The electric utility industry seems to view our current way of producing and using electricity like some sacred cow that can't be tampered with. Concerns about the effect our current way of life is having on the environment and ratepayer economics have taken a back seat to the pursuit of corporate profits. But I say it's time to start pursuing a new path to energy independence, slaughter the sacred cow, and start serving up steaks to consumers!
Florida does not "NEED" more nuclear power facilities but the utility industry wants them and they want them bad because this is the easiest, most PROFITABLE way for them to meet the energy requirements of consumers. Aggressively increasing our energy efficiency and applying point source energy production technology such as solar heating and rooftop photovoltaics universally across the grid may be better for the economy, cleaner for the environment, and cheaper for consumers in the long run, but it is in direct contradiction to the business model of the electric utility industry.
The issues surrounding the idea of aggressive energy conservation and the development of distributed solar energy are very complicated. Investor owned utilities certainly have their own spin on all this of course, and it is very confusing to the average consumer. But here are two articles I encourage everyone to read by a fellow named David Roberts who writes for www.grist.org that may help you sort it out a little.
http://grist.org/climate-energy/solar-panels-could-destroy-u-s-utilities-according-to-u-s-utilities/
http://grist.org/climate-energy/how-can-we-boost-distributed-solar-and-save-utilities-at-the-same-time/
The electric utility industry seems to view our current way of producing and using electricity like some sacred cow that can't be tampered with. Concerns about the effect our current way of life is having on the environment and ratepayer economics have taken a back seat to the pursuit of corporate profits. But I say it's time to start pursuing a new path to energy independence, slaughter the sacred cow, and start serving up steaks to consumers!