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Reader's letter: Wind energy trumps solar
CMC solar plant is an interesting project and a good idea in principal. CMC put on a public forum, where Southern California Edison was represented as well as a distributor for Benton Wind Machines. Both photovoltaic and wind energy were discussed at that venue; with conclusive evidence that wind was less intrusive upon the footprint of the land, and friendlier to the plants and the wildlife. There are also efficiency differences that would improve the amortization rate on investment.
Solar energy (photovoltaic) as currently proposed by SCE is less efficient and more expensive to maintain. Wind machines also require maintenance, but less frequently than solar systems. Photovoltaic is more or less efficient based on cloud cover, and by seasonal change of the sun. The solar array panels and mounting racks can become vulnerable to high winds and flying debris.
A new solar technology has been announced in South Africa that vastly improves the efficiency of solar systems Š but is not yet available in this country. Maybe it would make more sense to create a smaller footprint with a few photovoltaic, and a few wind machines Š and study both. Comparisons with the new systems could be made Š and the ideas published would help CMC to grow with the changes in technology. It is a thought.
To analyze true cost, the land which this project would have a footprint upon, would have to be factored in. Another solution to bet $3,774,723.00 big bucks on would be to buy into a wind machine in the low desert Š and get the production credit and look at retaining the land as it is for biological studies.
As far as that is concerned, Yucca Valley could salvage the photovoltaic system on top of Town Hall and partner with the rest of the Basin on wind energy and we could all be better off.
Ramon A. Mendoza
Yucca Valley
Solar energy (photovoltaic) as currently proposed by SCE is less efficient and more expensive to maintain. Wind machines also require maintenance, but less frequently than solar systems. Photovoltaic is more or less efficient based on cloud cover, and by seasonal change of the sun. The solar array panels and mounting racks can become vulnerable to high winds and flying debris.
A new solar technology has been announced in South Africa that vastly improves the efficiency of solar systems Š but is not yet available in this country. Maybe it would make more sense to create a smaller footprint with a few photovoltaic, and a few wind machines Š and study both. Comparisons with the new systems could be made Š and the ideas published would help CMC to grow with the changes in technology. It is a thought.
To analyze true cost, the land which this project would have a footprint upon, would have to be factored in. Another solution to bet $3,774,723.00 big bucks on would be to buy into a wind machine in the low desert Š and get the production credit and look at retaining the land as it is for biological studies.
As far as that is concerned, Yucca Valley could salvage the photovoltaic system on top of Town Hall and partner with the rest of the Basin on wind energy and we could all be better off.
Ramon A. Mendoza
Yucca Valley
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