Here’s something that might make a difference. The ANU is developing a solar air-conditioning system. Air conditioning is one cause of peak loading on the electricity grid, when everyone puts on their air-cons at the same time on hot days. Reduce peak loading and you don’t need so many power stations.
You’d think some form of thermal solar air conditioning would be a no-brainer. After all, when do you need air conditioning? When the sun’s shining, of course.
At the same time, it’s interesting because a supposed inability to cope with peak loading is often cited as a drawback of renewable energy.
Talking of the ANU, if you’re wondering what’s happened to their sliver cell technology, which could dramatically reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar panels, here’s an update of sorts.
