08-02-2008, 02:24 PM
"By the time it reaches Earth's surface, the energy in sunlight has fallen to about 1,000 watts per square meter at noon on a cloudless day. Averaged over the entire surface of the planet, 24 hours per day for a year, each square meter collects the approximate energy equivalent of almost a barrel of oil each year, or 4.2 kilowatt-hours of energy every day."
Assuming only 10% efficiency, that would be 0.42 kWh per day. To supply 877 kWh in 30 days, the required amount would then be 69.6 square meters. Small enough to fit easily on most roofs, I'd say.
"The average home uses about 877 kWh per month ... Each home would therefore require a solar panel covering about 365 square meters"
Is this how you come to your conclusions, Kandrathe?
Assuming only 10% efficiency, that would be 0.42 kWh per day. To supply 877 kWh in 30 days, the required amount would then be 69.6 square meters. Small enough to fit easily on most roofs, I'd say.
"The average home uses about 877 kWh per month ... Each home would therefore require a solar panel covering about 365 square meters"
Is this how you come to your conclusions, Kandrathe?