Space Power in California

ZenGum · 12-08-2009, 06:56 AM

Full article at New Scientist:

Quote:

Energy beamed down from space is one step closer to reality, now that California has given the green light to a deal involving its sale. But some major challenges will have to be overcome if the technology is to be used widely.

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission gave its blessing to an agreement that would see the Pacific Gas and Electric Company buy 200 megawatts of power beamed down from solar-power satellites beginning in 2016.

A start-up company called Solaren is designing the satellites, which it says will use radio waves to beam energy down to a receiving station on Earth.

I say, full steam ahead! What could possibly go wrong?

classicman · 12-08-2009, 02:15 PM

I'm all for it - What a cool concept. Just please don't do it in California.

Quote:

It's now stupid to start an innovative business in California.

Here's why one business I direct should leave. It's got a sweet electro-optical product that delivers superior images. But sales stayed flat until production left California for China in 2004. Three things happened:

First, costs dropped--but only by 15%, since many of the components were already produced in Asia. Second, quality improved--there's something few people get. Third, turnaround times got quicker. Yikes.

So in 2005 sales ticked up, they doubled in 2006, we showed first profits in 2007 as sales doubled again and ditto for 2008. This meant management could hire more engineers. It did. And the products got better and better.

Then: Oops! Toward the end of 2008, our Sacramento geniuses decided to "temporarily" suspend all net operating loss carry-forwards. They did this retroactively, to the beginning of the year, and 2009 sales growth slowed to 10%, putting the brakes on new hires. Burial services were held for a few interesting new products.

More examples Here

Spexxvet · 12-08-2009, 03:28 PM

[quote=ZenGum;615896...I say, full steam ahead! What could possibly go wrong?[/QUOTE]
I have the image of being fried under a magnifying glass.

Cicero · 12-08-2009, 03:30 PM

That's it...I'm calling Tesla.

lumberjim · 12-08-2009, 04:58 PM

what could possiblie go wrong?

Elspode · 12-08-2009, 09:37 PM

At least they're doing it in California, where no one is going to notice another giant fire, more or less.

ZenGum · 12-08-2009, 09:38 PM

Maybe it is just a new way of lighting a joint.

xoxoxoBruce · 12-09-2009, 02:32 AM

Oh goody, more radiation.

12-08-2009, 03:28 PM	#3
Spexxvet Makes some feel uncomfortable Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 10,346	[quote=ZenGum;615896...I say, full steam ahead! What could possibly go wrong?[/QUOTE] I have the image of being fried under a magnifying glass. __________________ "I'm certainly free, nay compelled, to spread the gospel of Spex. " - xoxoxoBruce

12-08-2009, 03:30 PM	#4
Cicero Looking forward to open mic night. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 5,148	That's it...I'm calling Tesla. __________________ Show me a sane man, and I will cure him for you.- Carl Jung

12-08-2009, 04:58 PM	#5
lumberjim I can hear my ears Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 25,571	what could possiblie go wrong? __________________ This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality Embrace this moment, remember We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion ~MJKeenan

12-08-2009, 09:37 PM	#6
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	At least they're doing it in California, where no one is going to notice another giant fire, more or less. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

12-08-2009, 09:38 PM	#7
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	Maybe it is just a new way of lighting a joint. __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

12-09-2009, 02:32 AM	#8
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	Oh goody, more radiation. __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

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