Power production requires resources. Among these resources includes space and land. In this short article, we will discuss various technologies ranging from Solar Concentrator technology to standard plat panel technology and how land management is important when planning to install these systems. Since the sun beams down energy across the earth each and every day, basically anywhere in the world can become a power plant. The problem is that this land may possibly be reserved for other necessary things, such as food production and farming. Land management must be decided such that everything required is produced.
Solar energy is produced by placing a suitable collector in the proper location. There are a variety of collector types. These collectors are most commonly grouped as either flat panels, evacuated tubes or concentrating collectors. There are many sub-categories within these ones here, but for the moment, this will suffice. Flat panels and evacuated tube collectors require significantly more space than concentrating collectors, such as the SolarBeam Concentrator. A large installation of flat panels or evacuated tubes either requires significant ground or roof space.
If a large amount of panels are installed on a roof, one faces risky structural issues, as well as difficulties in obtaining insurance. The alternative is to place these panels on the ground itself, but this space is valuable. How much can one spare? Farmers do not want to waste any space; it only makes sense to use the best possible system for the land.
When comparing the Solartron Energy’s concentrator to flat panel, the advantage is clear. One parabolic tracking concentrator is equivalent to approximately 10-15 flat panels in terms of energy production. These panels could take up 20-30 square meters of installed space, while the SolarBeam concentrator is raised on a post above the ground. There is no ground space wasted with this installation. The dish is up in the air, tracking the sun. This conserves ground space for mobility, irrigation piping, or whatever else. A full array of stationary collectors makes a costly footprint on the land.
Farms can thus provide solar hot water for their facilities, whether for domestic, cleaning, cooking or heating purposes, at a low opportunity cost of land. One does not have to choose between an energy farm or a food farm; rather the SolarBeam presents the ability to have both in the same territory. This is saving the Earth in two senses of the word.
Land management is a crucial element to green energy production. Consider efficiency within energy production. All externalities must be analyzed when choosing a system. Beyond the statistics and prices quoted by manufacturers and retailers, there is a whole sphere of intangible and tangible issues that surround these goals. In these pioneering years for renewable energy issues such as this will come closer to the forefront of the community. At present, there is much focus on systems and promotion, but other important issues need be considered.
