PV Module Net Energy Question [RE-wrenches]

[douglas bath]

Hello Colin,

Solar modules are a source of power, but the value is in operating the
appliances (the pump or the lamp or the computer). As the need for the
appliance becomes more critical, the tailor made energy becomes more
valuable. The guy in the kayak with the GPS has been paid back the minute he
can operate beyond the battery capacity he left the dock with. Solar panels
are tools, and the payback needs to be based on the value getting the job
done, which will be different in almost every situation. When you have the
right tool for the job, it's priceless.

Best regards,

Douglas B. Bath, 
Gaiam- Real Goods & Jade Mountain
800-919-2400 x6903 voice
303-222-8700 fax
http://www.realgoods.com
Building a Sustainable World Since 1978
  

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin [mailto:colin at positiveenergysolar.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 8:23 AM
To: New wrenches posting
Subject: Re: PV Module Net Energy Question [RE-wrenches]



Dear Wrenches,


Does anyone know of a website or any other source for current data on the
energy payback for PV modules?

I'd like to be a little better informed as to the various timelines I've
heard about the length of time it takes for a PV module to produce more
energy than it took to manufacture and transport.

Obviously there must be a wide range of estimates on this, depending on the
type of PV module (single, poly or amorphous), the manufacturer, and where
it is eventually installed.  But I have always held to the belief that solar
electricity does give you a net energy gain overall, something quite rare in
the realm of what we human hands have made...

I look forward to your responses.

Thanks,

Colin Mitchell
Positive Energy
Santa Fe, NM

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register
==^================================================================