Solar Energy - January 28th 2015
On Wednesday, 28 January, the Science and Technology Group gathered at
Erica’s house to hear a presentation by Harry Shepherd-Cross, Director of Haymaker
Energy based at Quainton.
Harry explained the development of solar energy technology since 1976 and the way in which the government (on all sides of the political divide) had initially encouraged private companies to enter the market but subsequently confounded the entrepreneurs by changing the terms on which they could do business with consumers, thus undermining the potential interest in solar energy of house-owners and commercial enterprises alike, leading to the collapse of some businesses which had come early to the market.
However, as solar energy technology has developed since that time and the cost of producing of photovoltaic panels has decreased (mainly by China entering the market), it has been estimated that the cost to the consumer of either solar power or gas will have reached parity by 2030 whilst the total reserves of oil and gas are likely to be exhausted in approximately 80 years’ time. Furthermore, other means of generating electricity, (notably: tidal, wave, geothermal, hydro and wind) will certainly not meet increasing demand for electricity in the future.
An international project called “Desertec” was explained. The project aims to develop a series of electricity generating installations throughout the world (i.e., solar power in deserts, wind power in coastal areas, hydro power in mountainous regions), which would feed electricity into an ‘international grid’ to be distributed as required to participating countries. However, at the moment, the project is confounded by political constraints!
The development of a solar farm in Broughton by Haymaker Energy was also explained which, when completed, will generate sufficient electricity for 60,000 homes. It will comprise a series of solar panels placed approximately 8 ft. off the ground at an appropriate angle to maximize capture of the sun’s energy during daylight hours. The design will allow sheep to graze among the panels and also provide shelter for them in adverse weather conditions. It was emphasized that the installation will be surrounded by hedges of sufficient height to shield it from sight.
Following the presentation, there was a Question and Answer session. At the close, refreshments were served. Erica’s apple cake was delicious and much appreciated.
Harry explained the development of solar energy technology since 1976 and the way in which the government (on all sides of the political divide) had initially encouraged private companies to enter the market but subsequently confounded the entrepreneurs by changing the terms on which they could do business with consumers, thus undermining the potential interest in solar energy of house-owners and commercial enterprises alike, leading to the collapse of some businesses which had come early to the market.
However, as solar energy technology has developed since that time and the cost of producing of photovoltaic panels has decreased (mainly by China entering the market), it has been estimated that the cost to the consumer of either solar power or gas will have reached parity by 2030 whilst the total reserves of oil and gas are likely to be exhausted in approximately 80 years’ time. Furthermore, other means of generating electricity, (notably: tidal, wave, geothermal, hydro and wind) will certainly not meet increasing demand for electricity in the future.
An international project called “Desertec” was explained. The project aims to develop a series of electricity generating installations throughout the world (i.e., solar power in deserts, wind power in coastal areas, hydro power in mountainous regions), which would feed electricity into an ‘international grid’ to be distributed as required to participating countries. However, at the moment, the project is confounded by political constraints!
The development of a solar farm in Broughton by Haymaker Energy was also explained which, when completed, will generate sufficient electricity for 60,000 homes. It will comprise a series of solar panels placed approximately 8 ft. off the ground at an appropriate angle to maximize capture of the sun’s energy during daylight hours. The design will allow sheep to graze among the panels and also provide shelter for them in adverse weather conditions. It was emphasized that the installation will be surrounded by hedges of sufficient height to shield it from sight.
Following the presentation, there was a Question and Answer session. At the close, refreshments were served. Erica’s apple cake was delicious and much appreciated.