Does solar energy trump coal?
Solar energy is very useful in remote locations and there are good reasons to set up solar cells on homes, just an array of a kilowatt power can bring down an electricity bill by two thirds. That’s according to a relative who has recently got such an array. Note – he lives a few kilometres south of the Tropic of Capricorn. But have you ever visited an aluminium smelter? I have. They run 24 / 365 and if the power goes off the operators can walk away, close the gates and call their lawyers. They do not run on batteries. There are many things that run 24 / 365 like water supply pumps, sewer pumps, hospitals etc even where you live. Solar energy does not work at night. Get on the net and check out the power production from coal fired power stations. A typical recently built one in the smaller size range is in the 1400 to 1700 megawatt range. Some larger ones run to 2500 megawatts or maybe more. You have heard of the Hoover Dam. It produces 1500 or 1600 megawatts. An even bigger project in
