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chowder-san t1_j1cw9xx wrote

Reply to comment by Zinsurin in Paper-Thin Solar Makes Any Surface Photovoltaic by gregnoone

why would we though? Judging by the currently available analyses, we don't even need that space. Simply covering roofs would be enough to cover our needs, alongside commercial solar farms.

In fact, even currently available solar panels, if used on an entire roof, would generate more than enough of energy to handle a big house. The problem is the cost of doing that and maintenance if the panels get damaged.

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Zinsurin t1_j1dfxda wrote

I can think of a few reasons, not all of them may make sense or are great though.

Cheaper cells that are less efficient on these tall buildings could generate that extra energy we need to power smaller buildings in the area that may not see much if any sunlight.

Taller buildings get more sun through the day, even if it is only by a minute or two.

The more energy we generate and cam store the less reliant we could be on other methods of energy generation.

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