Solar Energy

[flyingcat2003]

I have a question. Does Walt Disney World use solar energy to power any attractions or resorts? If not, why? After all, Florida IS the sunshine state.

 

[wdwscout]

I know for sure they use solar power for a good portion of the Universe of Energy (sure makes sense! )

I believe there are solar panels on some other buildings too- but I can't remember which right now.
I do know they do a lot in the areas of energy consumption (replacing light bulbs with LEDs in many places) and water reclamation.

They ask guests to recycle and offer opportunities to do so.

I applaud them for the things they do attempt- but it would be nice to see more solar power I suppose.

 

[flyingcat2003]

We were just wondering. We were there last week and boy was it hot and sunny. I thought maybe the new BLT might have solar panels.

 

[boettj]

Ironically, Solar panels become less efficient as the surface temperature goes up over 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Even still Solar does offer some benefits even in places like Florida and Arizona. New technologies are emerging that should make it more efficient.

 

[flyingcat2003]

Cool. I learn something new everyday.

 

[OKW Lover]

The solar panels at Ellen's Energy Adventure are only advertised as "helping to power the ride". That's a pretty vague statement that would be accurate if all they did was to put a "D" cell in each of the cars.

Since the panels were installed many years ago, their efficiency isn't that great so I'd really be surprised if they provided even 10% of the energy needed for the attraction, leave alone "most".

The problem with solar power right now is that even with improvements in technology, the cost per KWH is about 6 times the price of conventionally generated electricity up here in New England. In the south, the multiple isn't quite as bad, but its still significantly more expensive than what you pay the electric company.

 

[flyingcat2003]

Wow, I thought solar was going to be the next big thing. I guess it's further down the road than I previously thought.

 

[boettj]

Wow, I thought solar was going to be the next big thing. I guess it's further down the road than I previously thought.

That is not entirely true. Right now there is a company out California. They are working on a flexible solar panel that would mold to different roofing types. The main advantage of this flexible solar panel is that it can work with different levels of light. Today, solar panels must face south to take advantage of sun. With these new panels, they would not have to point south.

However, as stated above solar is still not efficient. I believe the highest rated on the market is around 35-40%. Which is no where near where it needs to be. Even with the advances that are coming forth, the loss of power in the conversion process needs to be improved a great deal.

All is not lost. A combination system of wind and solar in most cases will do the trick. Several companies are coming out with wind turbines that do not need 60'+ towers. They are helix design. http://www.helixwind.com/en/d361.php.(is one example.) Others are working on horizontal solutions.

Wind/Water and Solar are the future of energy.

 

[flyingcat2003]

Thanks for the link.