How many are ENERGY Farming

[ddbackhoe]

Anyone know what the life expectancy is for a solar panel and what percentage of efficiency is lost per year? Durability of panels from hail, wind, heavy wet snow, etc.

what if any are the terms for decommissioning a solar farm?

I haven’t seen any publications on long term disposal or decommissioning. IMHO, the politicians are so gung-ho to move to sun power that they are neglecting the inevitable.

Notice here the key term “may be more difficult”

Solar Panel Recycling | US EPA

Find out how solar panels, a renewable energy waste, are recycled and where to take your end-of-life solar panels for recycling.

www.epa.gov

 

[5030]

Far as I can see, there is no 'crop' being harvested, just a special (and probably costly) lawn mower being used and the second video is pretty neat too but again. the machinery is costly and detracts from the overall profit.

Better to install a solar array on a parking lot and use the panels as shelter like in a previous video.

 

[5030]

I haven’t seen any publications on long term disposal or decommissioning. IMHO, the politicians are so gung-ho to move to sun power that they are neglecting the inevitable.

Notice here the key term “may be more difficult”

Solar Panel Recycling | US EPA

Find out how solar panels, a renewable energy waste, are recycled and where to take your end-of-life solar panels for recycling.

www.epa.gov

... and in most cases, the landowner is on the hook for recycling and removal of the supporting structures too. How most contracts are executed, least around here they are. Why be concerned with it as it won't happen for years, but when it does, I'm sure there will be some very serious whining going on.

 

[5030]

In reality, I don't much care as there will never be any solar on my land so long as I hold the deed to it and I'd say most commenters on this thread don't own enough ground to be concerned anyway. Have a suspicion that a good percentage are suburban dwellers anyway.

 

[Hay Dude]

As far as cleaning all them panels, there is a whole industry opening up. There are brush and brushless types, and ones with or without people running the machines. There are even robotic cleaners.

Sign me up!

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Some people take a lifetime to finally see the light.
Congratulations!

Nah... I already knew that. Glad you agree though!

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Far as I can see, there is no 'crop' being harvested, just a special (and probably costly) lawn mower being used and the second video is pretty neat too but again. the machinery is costly and detracts from the overall profit.

Better to install a solar array on a parking lot and use the panels as shelter like in a previous video.

YES! Put them on top of all those abandoned wallyworld stores, etc.

 

[Hay Dude]

Nah... I already knew that. Glad you agree though!

Remember, it was you that agreed with ME. I dont agree with you on anything, except your admission that youre wrong a lot!

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Remember, it was you that agreed with ME. I dont agree with you on anything, except your admission that youre wrong a lot!

No... my wife say's I'm wrong a lot. Agree with her!

 

[JethroB]

I’ll throw this in to fan the discussion. There were approximately 93 million acres of corn grown in the US last year. About 40% of that production is used to make ethanol, 38% for animal feed.

93 million acres x 40% = 37 million acres, most of which goes into our gas tanks. Food for fuel some call it. Or farming for energy in this thread.