Popular Science: Rooftop Solar Panels Could Power Nearly 40 Percent Of The U.S.
The Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) issued a report last week that analyzed the ability of America’s roofs to host solar panels. They looked at rooftops in 128 cities across the country, analyzing buildings large and small for their suitability for hosting photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, and how much power could be generated in each location. The estimates varied by state and by region, but overall, the report found that 39 percent of the country’s energy could be generated by rooftop solar panels. “It is important to note that this report only estimates the potential from existing, suitable rooftops, and does not consider the immense potential of ground-mounted PV,” co-author Robert Margolis said. “Actual generation from PV in urban areas could exceed these estimates by installing systems on less suitable roof space, by mounting PV on canopies over open spaces such as parking lots, or by integrating PV into building facades. Further, the results are sensitive to assumptions about module performance, which are expected to continue improving over time.”
We continue with the usual eclectic mix of stories from the energy, climate and related fields, including OPEC’s trials and tribulations, another US rig count decline, Mexico’s oil and gas reserves fall, Sinopec to double gas production, Gazprom expects a record year for exports to Europe, Sunedison facing bankruptcy, the UK to get smart grids, a reprieve for Fiddler’s Ferry, a new, safer, cheaper nuclear fuel rod, storing energy on electric trains, whether climate change is good or bad for UK wine and whether it makes it immoral to have kids.
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