Google going green.

[Bobblehead]

Interesting article about the Google campus going solar. link

Google's commitment to "green" means that the company sources carpet and sofas made without PVC, paints without volatile organic compounds, and cafeteria food from local growers. It's not surprising, then, that they would roll out the largest commercial solar deployment in the US—a 1.6MW installation that covers most of the buildings at Google's campus and extends even to shaded parking spaces.

Ravitz said that Google will earn its investment back in 7.5 years, after which it will continue to enjoy inexpensive power for decades. With the company sprawled across a large campus of many low buildings, roof space was easily available. Solar also has the unique property of pumping out more energy when power is the most expensive—peak afternoon hours. When air conditioners across California kick into action on sunny days, Google generates the most power.

Good for them. Sounds like they are making that "Don't be evil" thing work for them.

[Frank the Tank]

Awesome. I so want to do this for my house, but its something like $17,000 for an integrated system. Ouch.

[Hemi-Cuda]

this has to be another part in Google's secret quest for world domination. there HAS to be some sort of sinister plot behind it all, because a company just cannot be that good. it's just not possible

[Daradon]

I'm thinking the way of the future will be to have al houses or communites self sufficient in this way. Maybe add a wind generator for local electrical grids.

Between solar energy, and grey water tanks you can get most of the water and energy you need to run everything you need residentially and even a lot of commercial sites. Keep everything hooked up to the grid and water supply for emergencies, but for the most part, you're good to go.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Daradon

I'm thinking the way of the future will be to have al houses or communites self sufficient in this way. Maybe add a wind generator for local electrical grids.

Between solar energy, and grey water tanks you can get most of the water and energy you need to run everything you need residentially and even a lot of commercial sites. Keep everything hooked up to the grid and water supply for emergencies, but for the most part, you're good to go.

I always wonder why you don't hear more about the methan from garbage dumps being used to generate power?

If everyone put a few panels on their roof just to offset their power needs a little bit, it could make a big difference overall.

A small geothermal heatpump, a couple solar panels. How large of a dent would that put in energy requirements?

Google says it will pay off for them in 7.5 years. Is there any way it could pay off for an average consumer?

[4X4]

A solar community in Okotoks...

[La Flames Fan]

I just want to hug Google. Their so damn cute.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by 4X4

A solar community in Okotoks...

That is precisely what I'm talking about. I don't know why this isn't taken advantage of more, especialy with new govt. subsidies.

If I was a home builder or land developer I'd be looking at lots of options like that. The consumers want them, they just don't know how to get them or can't afford them unless it's part of a community.

I WOuld imagine the demand is huge and a green company could really make some serious coin.

[Flame On]

Great news. I don't see why municipalities don't start requiring development companies to phase this sort of thing in for the buildings/communities. The developers would get an even cheaper price for the economies of scale as they do when ordering tiles lets say. Not like they wouldn't pass that on to the consumer anyway.

[Azure]

Hmm, wonder why Al Gore couldn't do that?

Good for Google though, start the ball rolling in order to get our butt away from oil consumption.

[Flame On]

Originally Posted by Azure

Hmm, wonder why Al Gore couldn't do that?

Good for Google though, start the ball rolling in order to get our butt away from oil consumption.

That may be a knock against Gore. (though I believe he does offsetting)
But what does it have to do with the environment?

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Flame On

That may be a knock against Gore. (though I believe he does offsetting)
But what does it have to do with the environment?

Is that a serious question?

I mean, solar power has everything to do with the environment.

And for someone with a lot of money who has brought this 'fear' about global warming upon us, don't you think the least he could do is have his own solar plant?

At least something like Google has.

[Bill Bumface]

Dear lord let us escape this thread without it turning into a "See the environment doesn't matter because Al Gore's house isn't solar powered!" thread again.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Azure

Hmm, wonder why Al Gore couldn't do that?

C'mon, the guy already invented the internet... Cut him a break.

[arsenal]

Originally Posted by Flame On

That may be a knock against Gore. (though I believe he does offsetting)
But what does it have to do with the environment?

He buys carbon credits from a company that he partially owns or is on the board of directors of.
So basically, he is giving money to himself.
Not quite the same.

[Flame On]

Originally Posted by Azure

Is that a serious question?

I mean, solar power has everything to do with the environment.

And for someone with a lot of money who has brought this 'fear' about global warming upon us, don't you think the least he could do is have his own solar plant?

At least something like Google has.

What Gore does or doesn't do on his home has no effect on what the environment is or isn't doing.
Brought fear? How melodramatic . He's very pointedly said his piece around the world and tried to make it a non political issue too.
If you're feeling fear that's perhaps because it's a serious situation. The earth and the effects human's are having on it are bringing the fear. By your logic we should get on CNN for the war in Iraq.
If you think he's a hypocrit; with out all the information I assume, that's your right. Still doesn't mean climate change isn't upon us.

[Flame On]

Originally Posted by arsenal

He buys carbon credits from a company that he partially owns or is on the board of directors of.
So basically, he is giving money to himself.
Not quite the same.

If that money is going to himself when he puts it in there. If in fact he's overseeing a company so that it does the right things in terms of offsetting then it's actually a shrewd move and one that insures the money goes where he feels the money is needed.
It's kind of like the Flames donating money to The Flames Foundation. Yes they're giving it to themselves, but the actual money is going where it's needed. No one accuses them of bad practices.

[RougeUnderoos]

Dumb question, but does "intensity" matter to solar power generators?

For example, say Lethbridge gets exactly the same amount of sunshine as some town in Florida, would identical solar power generators generate the same amount of power? Or would the one in Florida generate more because it's more intense?

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Flame On

What Gore does or doesn't do on his home has no effect on what the environment is or isn't doing.
Brought fear? How melodramatic . He's very pointedly said his piece around the world and tried to make it a non political issue too.
If you're feeling fear that's perhaps because it's a serious situation. The earth and the effects human's are having on it are bringing the fear. By your logic we should get on CNN for the war in Iraq.
If you think he's a hypocrit; with out all the information I assume, that's your right. Still doesn't mean climate change isn't upon us.

I never said it changed what the earth is doing climate wise.

I said that if Google, with all their money can invest in solar power, clean power at that, why can't Al Gore?

His house already uses massive amounts of electricity anyways.

[McG]

well, those fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent help as well.

and recycling. plastic recycling especially.

not to mention pumping carbon dioxide into old oil and gas wells to increase pressure and convert back to useable gases.

i understand that if you can generate more solar power or whatever from your house than you are using...you can actually get your meter to run backwards and you are now putting power back onto the grid...which the electric company would have to pay you for.