As the scientific paper clearly states, floating solar limits itself to "30% coverage" of the water's surface. This eliminates ecosystem effects.

As already explained, floating solar limits itself to "30% coverage" of the water's surface. This eliminates ecosystem effects.

> “All the ECUs in the vehicle are powered from the low voltage, as well as the power relays that separate power from the high-voltage battery pack and the rest of the high-voltage network in the car,” he said. “That separation allows us to safely disconnect the high voltage from the low voltage when the vehicle is not being driven or in the event of a crash.”
>
> EVs can be assisted to start when the 12V battery has become too depleted to allow the high voltage battery to power up. In an EV jump start, you are essentially augmenting the 12V battery, like you would with a traditional jump start, but there is no high current surge like there would be during the jump starting application on an internal combustion engine vehicle. The jump starter provides auxiliary capacity to the system to allow it to power up. So, yes, jump starting an EV is sometimes necessary.

As the above clearly shows, EVs do indeed run on 12V batteries. You can't start an EV (i.e., make it run) or operate an EV (all the 100+ ECUs - Electronic Control Units - run only on 12V current) without 12V battery power. It's this 12V battery - critically necessary for any and all vehicle activity - that gets recharged by 12V parking canopies.

The electronic interface between 12V solar panels and 12V batteries is known as a "charge controller". A charge controller only costs 10 bucks.

There are cars today with solar panels on the car hood/trunk/roof. It’s the same 12 volts that come out from the cigarette lighter port. Low-voltage solar power can flow into that port as well as out of it.

OK NIMBY

Did you even read my response? Keene Meadow Solar will use 240 acres “and avoid CO2 emissions equal to that sequestered by 88,000 acres of forest.” Hence the concern about “clearing forests that (ideally) serve as carbon sinks” is misplaced, as this project reduces CO2 emissions literally hundreds of times better than these 240 acres of cleared forest could.

Parking canopies do provide extra benefits though. In addition to providing protection from sun, rain, etc., they can deliver power directly into parked electric vehicles. Having the power generated that close to the point of consumption eliminates all electricity transmission costs.

> The great thing about solar is that it can be put anywhere there's sun. I wish that would more often result in something other than rural land getting cleared in the name of environmentalism or progress.

With floating solar, no rural land would be cleared. Floating solar could be done at Goose Pond, which is very close to the planned location of Keene Meadow Solar. The primary downside is the higher installation cost for floating solar, though it would still be cost-effective.

Researchers: Floating solar panels could provide over a third of global electricity

> The cost of solar power has dropped dramatically over the past decade, making it the cheapest source of electricity in much of the world. Clearly, that can mean cheaper power. But it also means that we can potentially install panels in places that would otherwise be too expensive and still produce power profitably.
>
> One of the more intriguing options is to place the panels above artificial bodies of water, either floating or suspended on cables. While more expensive than land-based installs, this creates a win-win: the panels limit the evaporation of water, and the water cools the panels, allowing them to operate more efficiently in warm climates.
>
> While the potential of floating solar has been examined in a number of places, a group of researchers has now done a global analysis and find that it's huge. Even if we limit installs to a fraction of the surface of existing reservoirs, floating panels could generate nearly 10,000 TeraWatt-hours per year, while keeping over 100 cubic kilometers of water from evaporating.
>
> Obviously, that potential is not evenly distributed, with countries like Canada and the Nordics getting less sun exposure to benefit from. The biggest winner in floating solar would be the US, which has the potential for 1,900 TWh under the 30/30 limitations. The US is using about 3,900 TWh a year, so that works out to be just under half its electricity consumption.

Scientific paper here

Abstract

Growing global energy use and the adoption of sustainability goals to limit carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning are increasing the demand for clean energy, including solar. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems on reservoirs are advantageous over traditional ground-mounted solar systems in terms of land conservation, efficiency improvement and water loss reduction. Here, based on multiple reservoir databases and a realistic climate-driven photovoltaic system simulation, we estimate the practical potential electricity generation for FPV systems with a 30% coverage on 114,555 global reservoirs is 9,434 ± 29 TWh yr−1. Considering the proximity of most reservoirs to population centres and the potential to develop dedicated local power systems, we find that 6,256 communities and/or cities in 124 countries, including 154 metropolises, could be self-sufficient with local FPV plants. Also beneficial to FPV worldwide is that the reduced annual evaporation could conserve 106 ± 1 km3 of water. Our analysis points to the huge potential of FPV systems on reservoirs, but additional studies are needed to assess the potential long-term consequences of large systems.

50 MW of generation daily is about 1500 MW / month, which is about 1/10th of the 14.40 GWh/month. Pretty sure there’s a missing zero there (i.e., 500 MW of generation daily). As for the weather, any energy generation figure for solar already incorporates weather considerations, so this is 500 MW daily, on average, with weather conditions already accounted for.

> "In its first year of operation, Keene Meadow Solar will generate enough energy to power 14,000 New Hampshire homes, and avoid CO2 emissions equal to that sequestered by 88,000 acres of forest"

> "In its first year of operation, Keene Meadow Solar will generate enough energy to power 14,000 New Hampshire homes, and avoid CO2 emissions equal to that sequestered by 88,000 acres of forest"

> Glenvale Solar, a Boston-based company, is planning to install a 240-acre solar installation in Keene near Goose Pond, with construction beginning in 2026. According to the project proposal, which Glenvale submitted to Keene’s Conservation Commission, the Keene Meadow Solar Station will be located on privately owned land.
> > "In its first year of operation, Keene Meadow Solar will generate enough energy to power 14,000 New Hampshire homes, and avoid CO2 emissions equal to that sequestered by 88,000 acres of forest"

You misquoted the law. There’s no period after “in any one year”.

> Section 3. Subject to the provisions of section three A and except as otherwise provided in this section and in section ten, a motor vehicle or trailer owned by a non-resident who has complied with the laws relative to motor vehicles and trailers, and the registration and operation thereof, of the state or country of registration, may be operated on the ways of this commonwealth without registration under this chapter, to the extent, as to length of time of operation and otherwise, that, as finally determined by the registrar, the state or country of registration grants substantially similar privileges in the case of motor vehicles and trailers duly registered under the laws and owned by residents of this commonwealth; provided, that no motor vehicle or trailer shall be so operated on more than thirty days in the aggregate in any one year or, in any case where the owner thereof acquires a regular place of abode or business or employment within the commonwealth, beyond a period of thirty days after the acquisition thereof, except during such time as the owner thereof maintains in full force a policy of liability insurance providing indemnity for or protection to him, and to any person responsible for the operation of such motor vehicle or trailer with his express or implied consent, against loss by reason of the liability to pay damages to others for bodily injuries, including death at any time resulting therefrom, caused by such motor vehicle or trailer, at least to the amount or limits required in a motor vehicle liability policy as defined in section thirty-four A.

Details?

> Engineers at Columbia University unveiled this world's first [3D-printed cheesecake] Tuesday, made by the technology meticulously layering seven edible inks to form a triangular shape.
>
> The team has not shared how the cheesecake tastes, only that it is vegan, but notes the experiment is to demonstrate how 3D printing will upheave the food assembly industry.
>
> The authors note that the precision printing of multi-layered food items could produce more customizable foods, improve food safety and enable users to control the nutrient content of meals more easily - and in less time.

> The cost of solar power has dropped dramatically over the past decade, making it the cheapest source of electricity in much of the world. Clearly, that can mean cheaper power. But it also means that we can potentially install panels in places that would otherwise be too expensive and still produce power profitably.
>
> One of the more intriguing options is to place the panels above artificial bodies of water, either floating or suspended on cables. While more expensive than land-based installs, this creates a win-win: the panels limit the evaporation of water, and the water cools the panels, allowing them to operate more efficiently in warm climates.
>
> While the potential of floating solar has been examined in a number of places, a group of researchers has now done a global analysis and find that it's huge. Even if we limit installs to a fraction of the surface of existing reservoirs, floating panels could generate nearly 10,000 TeraWatt-hours per year, while keeping over 100 cubic kilometers of water from evaporating.
>
> Obviously, that potential is not evenly distributed, with countries like Canada and the Nordics getting less sun exposure to benefit from. The biggest winner in floating solar would be the US, which has the potential for 1,900 TWh under the 30/30 limitations. The US is using about 3,900 TWh a year, so that works out to be just under half its electricity consumption.

Scientific paper here

Abstract

Growing global energy use and the adoption of sustainability goals to limit carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning are increasing the demand for clean energy, including solar. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems on reservoirs are advantageous over traditional ground-mounted solar systems in terms of land conservation, efficiency improvement and water loss reduction. Here, based on multiple reservoir databases and a realistic climate-driven photovoltaic system simulation, we estimate the practical potential electricity generation for FPV systems with a 30% coverage on 114,555 global reservoirs is 9,434 ± 29 TWh yr−1. Considering the proximity of most reservoirs to population centres and the potential to develop dedicated local power systems, we find that 6,256 communities and/or cities in 124 countries, including 154 metropolises, could be self-sufficient with local FPV plants. Also beneficial to FPV worldwide is that the reduced annual evaporation could conserve 106 ± 1 km3 of water. Our analysis points to the huge potential of FPV systems on reservoirs, but additional studies are needed to assess the potential long-term consequences of large systems.

Why the Jones Act is still needed

By Sen. Roger Wicker, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Peter DeFazio and Rep. Sam Graves

The Jones Act requires that all vessels carrying goods between two U.S. points be American-built, -owned, -crewed and -flagged. This policy provides stability to the U.S. maritime industry and helps to sustain 650,000 American jobs, resulting in $150 billion in economic benefits each year. Most importantly, the Jones Act advances our national security by helping maintain a vibrant domestic shipbuilding industry and maritime workforce. Our shipbuilders supply the military with warships, and U.S. mariners play a key role in transporting military personnel and equipment overseas in times of crisis.

To imagine life without this law, consider the risks we would face if foreign-owned companies were allowed to conduct our domestic trade during this pandemic. Foreign companies would be able to influence the flow of domestic goods and resources that are keeping our economy afloat. Thousands of now-secure American jobs throughout our shipbuilding and maritime workforces would be threatened, and foreign governments could gain even more undue leverage over our economy.

The Jones Act is also an important asset to our military. U.S.-crewed vessels around the world expand our military’s horizon by serving as the eyes and ears of our nation, and U.S. mariners, shipyards and commercial vessels play a vital role in keeping our military well-supplied. Losing these assets and having to rely on foreign competitors to move our military would hurt our ability to project power during a time of war or national emergency.

These national security concerns are why the Jones Act continues to enjoy broad support in Congress. Indeed, military leaders have consistently described the Jones Act as crucial to national security. As the bipartisan leaders of the House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over maritime matters, we are committed to preserving the Jones Act.

State governments control what utilities can charge. Utilities often try to influence state government by paying for lobbyists, making campaign contributions, Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge...

Publish your concerns at /r/butthurt/

In this context, "OP" refers to /u/jgren91 and is in reference to this comment.

It’s a fair comparison. The Founding Fathers put their lives on the line so people could have democratic freedoms. Some of those people today are too lazy to even vote.

Given that the current candidates are a Q-Anon and a Free Stater, a candidate whose qualifications are minimal could easily be elected.

As for the lack of pay, Amherst should consider changing that. State representatives get two (2) Benjamins per term. Maybe Amherst could spare a few nickels (or even dimes!) for its Planning Board members?

OP is probably referring to the two declared candidates in this race (neither of whom is named Wilkins).

You are incorrectly assuming that I could be a candidate, which isn’t possible due to the requirement that all candidates must currently be Amherst residents.