Wind Farm Slaughter

[Wayne SW/MO]

Solar has similar issues to wind relating to generation not corresponding well with demand.

That 's very true. It is one reason why I wonder just how much could be achieved by using it for lighting loads and possibly water heating in residential? These loads tend to be consistent, small and home solar doesn't suffer any transmission losses. These loads don't have to be shut down because of low voltage. If a long spell of heavy clouds drops the storage voltage lights dim, not burn up like motors. I think this is where more R&D subsidies need to go, even though they aren't popular with the big corporations. It's probably the only source friendly to the do it yourself handy man.

[Flysmallie]

If a long spell of heavy clouds drops the storage voltage lights dim, not burn up like motors.

So the darker it gets outside the darker it gets inside? That sounds helpful. You sure aren't helping the cause Wayne.

[Tim Smith]

My understanding is that one of the biggest problems with wind power is that it produces power when it is least needed. From a number of presentations that I have seen, wind produces near its nameplate capacity at night when electric demand is low yet contributes very little on hot summer days when the electric grid experiences its peak demand. As a result, conventional generation facilities have to remain in place to keep the lights on during peak demand periods and then is forced to sit idle during lower demand periods.

Combination facilities are usually important to cover natural cycles, yes, but peak wind times are generally during daylight hours when demand is high.

[Tim Smith]

Tim the first report I read many years ago was from the Tehachapis mountains in CA. They are on barren mountain tops and the report wasn't about a few, nor are the mills in WY hidden. The wind mills seem to get an exorbitant amount of the subsidies and the size of the corporations involved can't dispel a sense of greed over benefit. One thing that is lacking in your figures and others trying to pain a rosy picture is the bottom line. Even if the farms produced 100%, the fuel driven power plants would have to remain active to be on standby. For all of those who have observed wind farms, think about how many were inoperable. They aren't nearly as efficient as GE would have you believe.

Yes, the California case (if I'm thinking of the right one) was a siting error. Raptors were getting chewed up because they rode the thermals into the blades. On top of that, once the local raptor population crashed, the rodent population exploded, drawing in more birds. The major wind corridor is in the High Plains. It may not be suitable on a large scale in some places.

It's still a siting issue. The habitat wasn't suitable (although I think the wind generation potential was very high).

I don't see a serious downside to having conventional fuel plants mixed in with the wind farms. They can carry the load when necessary. Wind cuts the overall reliance on fossil fuels.

[Feathers and Fins]

Wayne anytime you make penetration points in a roof its a leak looking to happen. So installing anything on a roof is never a good idea. I see it daily with sky lights and other installed items. The other problem is the panels require sunlight both the water heating type and power type so you have to have a house situated / orientated to maximize the suns rays.

Im all for solar power but to do it it needs to be installed on an out structure not the main living dwelling. Truth is home energy use can be severely cut down by proper building but currently I seldom see inspectors doing it. International Building Code is there for a reason and needs to be used.

I would bet each person on this site could save hundreds a year by doing a few simple things.

1. Insure proper insulation in walls, flooring and Attic

2. place duct tape on all joints on ducts

3. Caulk all windows and door and put a door sweep on the doors

4. Replace old appliances

5 Replace old Heating and Air units and Water tanks.

6 And here is the one most people never think about. Everything that is plugged in draws electricity start unplugging stuff when not in use.

7.Finally insure proper home ventilation in the attic.

There are many other things but those 7 will save you an unbelievable amount of money.

[exiledguide]

The Republic Monitor currently is running a story about a developer who is planning a 58 lot solar energy subdivision in Billings MO. They also ran a story in January about a guy and his wife who have a solar house near Republic who pretty well debunks all the BS coming from the right wing wack jobs who are owned by the oil companies. He not only heats and air conditions his house he also charges his electric car with the solar power. I believe his name is Jim Davis. When or if I find the story on their web page I'll post it here. My question about wind power slaughtering all the birds is this. Why do we still have birds? Any one my age can remember windmills on farms when we were kids and I don't remember seeing dead birds under my Dad's cousin's windmill on his farm.

[bfishn]

So what about the power companies getting fined for birds killed by electrical wires?

...

When & where has that happened?

[Feathers and Fins]

Hey I use to find dead birds under my gramps windmill all the time. Usually started September 1st for some reason and never found one after January 31st, dangdest thing I ever saw

[jeb]

I'm not sure what fines you are talking about,

Ah, so you never bothered to even read the link in the OP. That explains much, including the fallacy of your ridiculous arguments.

[jeb]

_{I want to see the link to fines being applied for bird strikes on power lines.}

Read the article!