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Next Texas Energy Boom: Solar

Posted by timothy on from the holding-out-for-the-e-cat dept.

Layzej writes: The Wall Street Journal reports: "Solar power has gotten so cheap to produce—and so competitively priced in the electricity market—that it is taking hold even in a state that, unlike California, doesn't offer incentives to utilities to buy or build sun-powered generation." Falling cost is one factor driving investment. "Another reason for the boom: Texas recently wrapped up construction of $6.9 billion worth of new transmission lines, many connecting West Texas to the state's large cities. These massive power lines enabled Texas to become, by far, the largest U.S. wind producer. Solar developers plan to move electricity on the same lines, taking advantage of a lull in wind generation during the heat of the day when solar output is at its highest."

2 of 327 comments (clear)

  1. Re:If only... by Rei · · Score: 5, Funny

    They're working on it, but it's difficult.

    A novel tear extract with high energy density and exceptional corrosive properties
    Ji Yeon Woo, Seo Jin Son, Hyo, Se Hee Choi et al
    13 Feb 2015
    DOI: 10.1111/bph.12793

    Abstract:

    A newly available resource of tears (H. sapiens spp. Ted Cruz) has been analyzed for its potential uses in industry and medicine. Tears were acquired by presenting the subject with a low income McDonalds employee from Queens and presenting her with a valid medical insurance card for a program subsidized by the government. Attempts to collect the tears into a glass vial proved insufficient as the fuming fluid rapidly corroded the glass and ate its way into the floor. After several attempts, small quantities of tears were finally isolated in teflon-coated containers chilled in liquid nitrogen. An swirling, oily ichor was concentrated from the bulk of the tears via fractional freezing. Tests revealed that upon exposure to sunlight the substance bursts into flame with a measured energy density of 168kJ/g. Spectral analysis of the extract proved inconclusive, yielding only an image of Ayn Rand taking soup away from orphans. Further study of the substance was hindered by the mass resignation of the clinical team.

    --
    Stale pastry is hollow succor to one who is bereft of ostrich.
  2. Re: Why are solar and wind not on the same land? by Applehu+Akbar · · Score: 1, Funny

    "The eagle and condor carcasses falling down from the chopping blades foul up the solar collectors."

    Solar grills right below the wind towers!