Earths Surface Area Required to Power the World with Zero Carbon Emissions with ONLY Solar Panels

[TalkingDog]

[HamdenRice]

1. Nice graphic, but you might want to change the subject line

I read it as meaning the exact opposite -- namely, that it would take the entire surface of the earth to power the world -- ie that solar is unrealistic.

Unless, maybe it was for ironic shock value?

:shrug:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

3. Yep. Change "Earths" to "The."

[NOW tense]

2. Did you happen to see this?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135702.htm

[Bandit]

4. They are working on solar panels in orbit.

That way they get unfiltered rays from the sun and use zero land area except for the receiving stations.

[dmallind]

5. Cool - but let's say we did it.

Look at that map. Imagine you are a head of state in a European nation. What would your concerns be?

[Statistical]

6. Bingo.

Maybe in a hundred or so years but I don't see any country accepting a reality where they import 100% of their electrical generation from outside the country.

Either that power could be cut off at the source of the transmission cables could be destroyed.

Blam. Nationwide (or in case of Europe multiple nations) blackout.