End to solar panels?

[The Natural Philosopher]

[Chris Hogg]

As has often been said here, it's about time the renewable energy industry started to stand on its own feet. After all, as Harry keeps telling us, the 'fuel' is free.

But reading the comments I came across this

by someone calling themselves 'Scottish scientist'. Whoever he is, he at least appreciates that pumped storage is the only viable way of storing energy, and he's obviously given it some thought, although the whole scheme has to be far too fantastical ever to be built.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Then the same should apply to the 'non renewable' generating side too. Then there would be absolutely no chance of any new nuclear. Is that what you want?

[Chris Hogg]

Well, if nuclear power stations weren't so heavily burdened with several belts and umpteen braces via H&S, they'd be cheaper to construct, and private industry might be more inclined to step up to the plate and fund them 100%. And at least nuclear power stations meet the objective of reducing CO2 output by significant amounts which renewables never will, which ultimately is what it's all about.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Sorry? Thought all you anti-renewable types didn't believe CO2 output mattered one jot?

Or do I hear the sound of goalposts moving - yet again?

[Tim Streater]

No, you hear us complaining about the shitty output level from our wonderful renewable fleet.

[Chris Hogg]

Not at all. The primary reason for installing renewables is to reduce CO2 output. Whether CO2 is or isn't important, is a separate argument. If it is important, nuclear is a much more effective way or reducing it than renewables.

[The Natural Philosopher]

Well I was with you until "which ultimately is what it's all about".

No. Only in the eyes of Watermelons. The rest of us think its about cheap reliable secure supply of essential energy.

>

[The Natural Philosopher]

absolute BOLLOCKS

The primary reason for installing renewables is to increase profits and have a guaranteed return on investment.

CO2 is just the excuse to do it.

Well exactly.

[Jonno]

The Natural Philosopher scribbled

Is the turnip turning in a socialist red turnip?

[RayL12]

Of course CO2 matters. The more there is the more plant life is able to grow. Foxes and Rabbits??

I read, somewhere; the change in CO2 over the last 400 years is that amount of CO2 that is produced by a lit match in the average sized living room.

Yep, we can mess things up but, essentially, it is the nature of Earth that will dictate.

For sure, today's atmosphere in Britain is far better than the 'good old days' of the 50's. However, I am less concerned with CO2 now.

Food and water deserves more of the spotlight.

[bert]

..and available 24/7

[Brian Gaff]

Since every other junk call I was getting until I fitted true call was trying to sell me solar panels, I'm not surprised to hear this bubble is about to be burst. I do however know several people who use the old fashioned water heating panels quite successfully from the saving money point of view. Its odd that low tech like this seems to be more workable. Brian

[The Natural Philosopher]

implied by 'reliable'

[T i m]

And they don't get the rest of us to subsidise their own personal consumption (AFAIK). Maybe people realise that and so more likely go ahead with it?

Yup, I'm sure, from a practical point of view is part of it. KISS etc.

A plumber mate of mine fitted a ground source heat pump system to his house when he did some major upgrade work to it. Unfortunately, because part of his experiment was to import the actual heat pump himself and the support on it was very limited, I don't believe he ever got it working.

Cheers, T i m

[bert]

But best be specific for the benefit of the Watermelons.