A proper implementation would be pretty decentralised to minimise transmission loss where possible, and complemented with whatever analogue energy storage system makes sense locally (hydro dams/kinetic/molten salt/lithium/sodium batteries etc.).

Solar is also not always the solution for colder climates, but in those places we can opt for geothermal or wind sources where feasible, otherwise transmit surplus energy from warmer climates as an absolute last resort.

[–] kieron115@startrek.website 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Oh yeah, for sure. I'm all for more solar. I just hope the scientists continue their research and figure out a way to make the panels without quite so much lead. Or at least make sure the lead can't leech back into the environment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perovskite_solar_cell

[–] thatKamGuy@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 weeks ago

Funnily enough, I just recently saw a video about Perovskite solar panels: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w2r9_0NxTW8

First time learning about them, but they do seemingly like a great solution once they come into maturity over the next decade. At that point, we could be at only needing ~6% of the Outback to power the world!