Jackson Browne & Solar?

["Richard F. Orthen" <rorthen@EARTHSCIENCES.NET>]

Perhaps that should have been "Jerry Brown," instead of Jackson "Doctor My

Eyes" Browne.



I liked Ruth W's facts about the 3MW solar direct conversion plant occupying

about 160 acres.  So much so that it prompted these questions:



* What are the environmental impacts associated with "intercepting" radiant

energy normally incident on the earth's surface by a solar thermal

absorption and photovoltaic device farm of sufficient size to power a

population now supplied by your nuclear or fossil boiler of choice?  I'm not

talking about the obvious aesthetic and land use commitment ones, but rather

the long-term thermodynamic detriment associated with such a "shielding

effect" at the earth's surface.  Is the shielding (or perhaps more correctly

stated, diversion) effect a valid concern for long-term sustainability of

the land?



* Is there an analogous situation with wind farms?



* What air quality concerns would exist when a photovoltaic array is

vaporized by lightning?



Rick Orthen







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