What would it take of an alternative energy to make a serious impact in current global energy consumption? What cost/benefits would it need to demonstrate over and above existing sources? Who would need to seriously start using it? Anybody have some good sources of information or discussion on this topic?
posted by zaebiz on Oct 22, 2008 - 19 answers

Can I install/configure solar panels on my roof so that the energy produced goes directly to the electric company as a credit to my account? I'd like to install some panels, but I don't want to invest enough money to power my house exclusively with solor, and I don't want to store the power using the current batteries that are available. Thank you.
posted by GernBlandston on Aug 6, 2008 - 10 answers

I would like to know about the future of solar energy. [more inside]
posted by heylight on Jul 28, 2008 - 16 answers

I would like to power my laptop with the sun. [more inside]
posted by sonicbloom on Feb 10, 2008 - 19 answers

What domestic devices can be operated effectively on solar power these days? Know any interesting alternative uses? Wide open question.
posted by vizsla on Dec 28, 2007 - 11 answers

I wish to travel the world, learning about renewable energy. Discuss. [more inside]
posted by laughinglikemad on Dec 11, 2007 - 13 answers

Anyone know a simple and cheap solar panel setup to run a small boombox about 9-12V DC? [more inside]
posted by Bengston on Dec 4, 2007 - 3 answers

The oil we use today was made from a biomass from a certain era. When was it, and how long was that era? [more inside]
posted by sourwookie on Oct 27, 2007 - 7 answers

Solar photovoltaic fabric. I'm trying to find or recall about a particular type of technology that I half-remember, as well as find out more about the current state of the art for flexible and/or fabric and/or imprinted solar panels. [more inside]
posted by loquacious on Jun 6, 2007 - 4 answers

Are there any easy and inexpensive solar kits for your home? Someone preferably DIY installable. (in the 500-1k range?) [more inside]
posted by mphuie on Aug 28, 2006 - 4 answers

if heat and light can be turned into usable energy, why don't we launch some collectors to orbit the sun and gather truck loads of the stuff that is otherwise dumped into space, then beam it home via microwave? [more inside]
posted by Tryptophan-5ht on Aug 20, 2006 - 25 answers

If I wanted to learn all about the energy industy, what would be some good books and resources? [more inside]
posted by BigBrownBear on May 4, 2006 - 8 answers

Why hasn't solar energy been able to replace fossil fuels in Europe where gas is taxed so heavily? [more inside]
posted by MrMulan on Aug 31, 2005 - 33 answers

Alternative-energy junkies : help! Solar / kiln question... [more inside]
posted by Slothrop on Apr 29, 2005 - 13 answers

Why aren't animals solar-powered? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by jpoulos on Mar 12, 2004 - 30 answers