If we adopt solar and wind as major components of our energy infrastructure as we are weaned from fossil fuels, we have to solve the energy storage problem in a big way. An earlier post demonstrated that we do not … Continue reading →
The recent city-wide power outage in San Diego made me appreciate my small off-grid photovoltaic system using four golf-cart batteries to store energy for use at night. Unlike most San Diegans, I did not immediately eat the ice cream in … Continue reading →
As we look toward the uncertain future, it may occur to some among us that we’ll need energy on Mars. How are we going to get it? Presumably Mars has no fossil fuels—although on the plus side its atmosphere is … Continue reading →
[An updated treatment of some of this material appears in Chapter 16 of the Energy and Human Ambitions on a Finite Planet (free) textbook.] Now is the time on Do the Math when we scan the energy landscape for viable … Continue reading →
If you like the sun, and you like cars, then I’m guessing you’d love to have a solar-powered car, right? This trick works well for chocolate and peanut butter, but not so well for garlic bread and strawberries. So how … Continue reading →
Suggested Reading Paths Not all posts are the same quality or have the same impact. If you are new to Do the Math, I recommend the following paths. A chronological list appears at the bottom. But if starting fresh, one … Continue reading →
The principal challenge of this century, in my view, will be adapting to a life without abundant, cheap fossil fuels. It has been the lifeblood of our society, and turns out to have some really fantastic qualities. The jury is … Continue reading →
[An updated treatment of some of this material appears in Chapter 13 of the Energy and Human Ambitions on a Finite Planet (free) textbook.] A common question I get when discussing solar photovoltaic (PV) power is: “What is the typical … Continue reading →
As we look to transition away from fossil fuels, solar and wind are attractive options. Key factors making them compelling are: the inexhaustibility of the source with use (i.e., renewable); their low carbon footprint; and the independence that small-scale distribution … Continue reading →