December 26, 2008

Solar Meets Polar as Winter Curbs Clean Energy - NYTimes.com

Solar Meets Polar as Winter Curbs Clean Energy - NYTimes.com

All sources of electricity experience some problems caused by temperature and weather changes, but some less than others. Alternative sources of electricity would seem more prone to the vagaries of storms, winter and other difficult conditions.

What these stories should always include is a reference to the need for reliable baseload power sources always available for the grid. Continual omission by the media creates the false impression for the public that all sources of electricity are equal in terms of supply reliability to the national or regional electric grid. This is certainly not the case and we should be well advised of that.

This lack of reliability, particularly for solar and wind, is not a major issue at present, but will be if alternative sources on the grid reach about 20% from their present contribution of less than one percent.

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