Solar homes for the masses

[cool]

By TAN CHENG LI

In many parts of Europe, equipping homes with photovoltaic (PV) cells to harvest energy from the sun is no longer an experiment. There exist now townships powered by solar energy, and one of the biggest is Nieuwland in the city of Amersfoort, the Netherlands.



Here, 500 solar-powered houses with an installed capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) demonstrate the feasibility of a large-scale building-integrated PV (BIPV) township. Because 10 architects, nine property developers and eight building companies worked on various sections of the project, the result is an eclectic array of architecture with PVs incorporated in different ways into the buildings to tap sunlight.


An attractive house with PV-integrated roof in the Nieuwland township, Amersfoort in the Netherlands.
Over 12,000 sqm of PV modules were integrated into roofs, gables, canopies, sunscreens and facades. These produce one million units of electricity annually; enough to meet 44% of the community’s electricity needs and avoid emissions of 540 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

In the project initiated by power company REMU, PV cells were also installed on two apartment blocks, two schools and a sports centre. Construction took place between 1997 and 2000. The large-scale use of PVs brought down costs and raised understanding of how to implement PV into town planning and construction.

Through the project, developers, architects, town planners, local governments and construction workers have acquired much experience regarding BIPV and related electrical engineering and architectural aspects.

[blazingcow]

yeah, netherlands and germany are doing a great effort finding new ways to provide energy. Using wind or solar energy is environmental and is the key to future. Unfortunately very few governments are willing to pay the price and give the effort to apply these new energies. I can't seem to understand why they are so stubborn. the cost of petrol will keep increasing and most scientist are warning us that if we keep consuming that much, there might be no petrol available in 50 to 75 years.

I think the work on solar energy should be led more intensively. I hope france will follow their neighbour's example.

[cool]

Originally Posted by blazingcow

Unfortunately very few governments are willing to pay the price and give the effort to apply these new energies. I can't seem to understand why they are so stubborn. I think the work on solar energy should be led more intensively.

The blame actually goes both ways.

1. The government for being corrupt and easily bought by rich oil companies and then lies to the public about the state of the health of the planet and that global warming is a myth.

2. Citizens like trickypickle who unwittingly let themselves be used by such corrupt governments and easily be conned with said lies.

[eastbridge]

Alternative energy have rich source and are in abundance. But there are many other reasons which should be added as why they are not gaining popularity.

1. It requires heavy investment to start initial green field project and for the maintenance. Many underdeveloped countries cannot simply afford it.
2. There is lack of awareness for these projects.
3. Many feel, we are happy with our resources, let's not worry.

[cool]

Originally Posted by eastbridge

1. It requires heavy investment to start initial green field project and for the maintenance. Many underdeveloped countries cannot simply afford it.

True to investments, but then finding new oil sources and digging them up requires even heavier investments!!

And protecting those oil reserves requires even MORE investments, such as the US government with it's 450 billion military spending!! Most of which is to protect it's foreign interests (especially oil).

This argument holds no more water. It's a propaganda by governments who are either lazy, incompetent or corrupt.

2. There is lack of awareness for these projects.
3. Many feel, we are happy with our resources, let's not worry.

EXACTLY!

Both are because of government lies or lack of competence. (either the government have vested interests in big oil, or that those that just don't equip themselves with new knowledge).