I've been a reader of giz for a while now but this motivated me to sign up.
I think it's great that even though this isn't the most advanced technology (yet) people are still willing to get behind it. #printedsolarled
I too, can get behind such an awesome idea of self-contained illumination for the reasons stated in this article, as well as the seemingly infinite constructive uses that can come from this.
Rosa, I have a question:
Do you know if this can be invested in, and if so, which company is behind this seemingly "cutting edge" idea? #printedsolarled
Edited by Soldier_CLE says DON'T STOP AT THE STAR! REVOKE THE WHOLE DAMN THING, OWEN!!! at 11/03/09 8:58 PM
Soldier_CLE says DON'T STOP AT THE STAR! REVOKE THE WHOLE DAMN THING, OWEN!!! was starred
Soldier_CLE says DON'T STOP AT THE STAR! REVOKE THE WHOLE DAMN THING, OWEN!!! was unstarred
P.S Long story. Let's just say that I don't appreciate OP-EDs with no clear allowance of reasonable discussion (especially less respect when abitrary and capreciousness ensues afterwards.)
That said, I appreciate MOST of the Gawker writing and editorial staff. The username extension is nothing more than a retort in protest.
It's actually very rare of me, actually (as many Gawker readers can attest.) #printedsolarled
Soldier_CLE says DON'T STOP AT THE STAR! REVOKE THE WHOLE DAMN THING, OWEN!!! was starred
Soldier_CLE says DON'T STOP AT THE STAR! REVOKE THE WHOLE DAMN THING, OWEN!!! was unstarred
I have my reservations on technologies that can change lives in developing worlds. At the developing countries poor state in terms of just basic infrastructure (sanitation, water, etc.) how are they going to manage all the garbage they end up producing if the developed countries begin introducing these wonderful technologies to them? Will this, and a lot of other great ideas, be a 'too-fast-too-soon' phenomenon? #printedsolarled
@Joseph Lau: 'too-fast-too-soon' is a valid concern, although less valid than it would have been a decade or two ago. 'too-little-too-late' sounds more like it. Surely though, something like this will do more good than harm? #printedsolarled
Nice post, if only there were more innovative people working on these types of things instead of military strength, then we might be getting somewhere. #printedsolarled
Great post Rosa... this is the kind, like solar charging cell phones, and micro loans, that will really help make a difference in people's lives. #printedsolarled
What ever happened to hydroelectric, geothermal, and in most respects, nuclear energy.
I think it's hilarious that highly inefficient solar and wind power are considered "green" just because eco-guilt idiots can strap it to their roofs and drown themselves in their own smug.
@ACoBildo: To be fair, a solar panel install even in Seattle can pay for itself within fifteen years - but, the problem is the cost of entry. I think plans to lease panels make a lot of sense.
Hydroelectric is a serious percentage of our power grid however is likely to reduce in the future since it is causing problems for fish populations. Geothermal is promising, but is extremely expensive to make truly useful (though, some have speculated that we just a couple giant geothermal plants to power the entire planet - however our infrastructure problem would need to be addressed). Nuclear is getting a lot more serious attention, however we have never adequately addressed the used fuel rod issue. Frankly, even "clean coal" could be promising, despite the fact that it really has not gone anywhere yet.
@ACoBildo: Hydroelectric is far from green. It ruins river ecosystems, alters the flow of rivers, chills the naturally warm water, and prevents proper flow of sediments. Geothermal has the same footprint issue that non photovoltaic solar technologies have and steam is actually a pollutant when it's not natural steam. As for nuclear, whether or not the reasons are valid, everyone knows why it hasn't exactly caught on.
As for the smug comment, not everyone who cares about the environment does it so that they can feel better about themselves. Some people genuinely care. Other people do it to save money or boost the value of their house. While solar may be inefficient, it is getting more efficient and is able to utilize unused space.
Actually this is a good thing. Photovoltaic cells are not an efficient way to harness the sun. Solar Thermal plants that use concentrated sunlight to heat a liquid to make steam are more efficient and never wear out. There is one in Nevada, one in Spain and a brand new one was just announced in Florida.
@dimoko: Space is the biggest downfall of that technology. Meanwhile, PV are able to be used in a space that isn't being used otherwise unless you have a green roof.
@jibbly: Good point. Not alot of sun in northern Canada in the witner months. On a side note. Living in Canada and having a small cabin in the bush. I like the idea of good old fashion steam power as back up to run a generator or other items. Most people live in the cities now, so not enough people would use it to cause harm. There is enough re-occuring of deadfall timber in 10 (or so)square miles to last several years if not a life time.
@peter_kelowna: There are some real possibilities of making solar panels that are efficient enough to work at night off of the light reflected off of the moon.
@92BuickLeSabre: You have to be careful with fudge, people tend to not temper their sugar properly which makes that crystallized dry crap that drips crumbs and shit all over you when you eat it.
@92BuickLeSabre: You choke on a dry lump of fudge with all the flavor and wonder of a charcoal briquette. Which, if you've just ingested poison might be the only way to save your life.
11/03/09
I think it's great that even though this isn't the most advanced technology (yet) people are still willing to get behind it. #printedsolarled
11/03/09
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11/03/09
Rosa, I have a question:
Do you know if this can be invested in, and if so, which company is behind this seemingly "cutting edge" idea? #printedsolarled
11/03/09
PS: Yikes, that's quite the username. #printedsolarled
11/03/09
P.S Long story. Let's just say that I don't appreciate OP-EDs with no clear allowance of reasonable discussion (especially less respect when abitrary and capreciousness ensues afterwards.)
That said, I appreciate MOST of the Gawker writing and editorial staff. The username extension is nothing more than a retort in protest.
It's actually very rare of me, actually (as many Gawker readers can attest.) #printedsolarled
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I think it's hilarious that highly inefficient solar and wind power are considered "green" just because eco-guilt idiots can strap it to their roofs and drown themselves in their own smug.
05/11/09
Hydroelectric is a serious percentage of our power grid however is likely to reduce in the future since it is causing problems for fish populations. Geothermal is promising, but is extremely expensive to make truly useful (though, some have speculated that we just a couple giant geothermal plants to power the entire planet - however our infrastructure problem would need to be addressed). Nuclear is getting a lot more serious attention, however we have never adequately addressed the used fuel rod issue. Frankly, even "clean coal" could be promising, despite the fact that it really has not gone anywhere yet.
05/11/09
As for the smug comment, not everyone who cares about the environment does it so that they can feel better about themselves. Some people genuinely care. Other people do it to save money or boost the value of their house. While solar may be inefficient, it is getting more efficient and is able to utilize unused space.
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