Solar power has long been perceived as the answer to many of our energy woes. It is relatively efficient, extremely renewable, and as clean as it comes. It’s also extremely expensive when compared to the “dirty fuels” of coal, oil, and even natural gas. If it were possible to put solar panels on every roof, what impact would it have?
Is it even conceivable?
According to Techvert, “It will be very easy for trolls and skeptics to take jabs at the concept. It’s impractical, expensive, inefficient, and extremely unlikely to ever happen in any of our lifetimes. Still, one should ask, ‘What if?'”
The folks over at 1 Block Off the Grid explore the scenario and show what the benefits and potential downfalls are to the concept. In theory, it makes total sense as the real estate on top of buildings is currently unused by the vast majority of them. If it ever became practical and logistically feasible to do it, the world would be changed forever.
Click to enlarge.
In 5 years, the cost of energy produced by solar panels is supposed to fall below the cost of oil. This improvement in efficiency will greatly impact the adoption of solar power. There is also technology that allows solar panels to be incorporated into pavement. This would allow driveways to produce energy as well. The payback periods mentioned in the infographic seem very reasonable, especially when you consider the positive environmental benefits. Hopefully, the government will offer greater incentives for adopting solar and other energy efficient programs.
Solar powered electrical generation relies on heat engines and photovoltaics.
What if solar were on every family’s roof? Probably, there would be fewer problems on fuels, and then we will have a more energy efficient, greener world to live.