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To the Editor:
Re: Editorial, March 2008
You suggest solar solutions as an alternative to conventional energy sources in your “Florida Should Lead In Solar” editorial. Net metering, connection of customers’ power generating equipment directly to utility systems should never be allowed.
Synchronizing customer generators with a regional electric distribution network would create a negative effect on quality service to other customers. Solar panels create heat, and do not generate any electricity as you seem to suggest. On overcast days, the value of solar sources are diminished, and during night time panels are totally ineffective.
To maximize efficiency, solar collectors require a rotating system to face the sun as the earth slowly spins on its axis. Electric energy can be provided by concentrating the solar heat on water pipes at a high enough temperature to create steam pressure sufficient to turn a turbine/ electric generator. And this result can only happen when the sun is available.
Your estimate of 2% of electricity from solar systems by 2020 hardly seems significant to change the need for conventional power plant construction to meet growing needs in Florida.
I suggest solar is just a feel good alternative and will not become viable electric energy source.
Harry J. Fisler, P.E.
Oldsmar
Editor’s Note: The editorial noted that the Florida Public Service Commission approved net metering in March and standard interconnection rules, which allow safe connection of small photovoltaic systems to the utility grid. Statistics quoted were attributed to the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar and regard the 2020 goal the groups advocate. Tropical Breeze supports such goals for use of alternative energy sources.
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