Solar power is the energy answer

[rpm]

WITH the world preoccupied with current high oil prices and dwindling energy resources, India is taking the lead in finding solutions to meet surging global demand by developing solar power as an alternative energy source.

Solar power is the energy answer

 

[krycor]

Apparently there will be electric cars in SA for sale soon(i think nxt yr).. BUT you need to plug it into the wall socket to recharge.

Now why don't they just place solar panels on the roof + bonnet as the car will likely be parked somewhere during the day, and if its in cpt you bound to get a good day of sunshine.(mind ye the cost would jump from 60k to a lot more)

 

[kaspaas]

The environment is becoming suitable for domestic solar quite fast:

Cheaper panels (like NanoSolar)
Cheaper storage (eg Super capacitors)
Viable LED lighting (1w instead of 100w "bulbs")

Add to this

ESKOM's lack of reliability

then investing in solar becomes much more viable.

My guess is that within 5 years most middle and higher class homes will have some arrangement to power some items on solar.

Homes will be double wired at 220V as well as 12V. It makes no sense to save electricity at say 12V DC and then convert it to 220V AC at 60% or so efficiency to convert it again to 12V DC (say) to power an LCD screen or TV.