The weird thing they put in next to the stadium

[shaqattaq]

1 hour ago, Doyle said:

Maybe a homeless person can benefit from this. 

They can charge their iPhone 

[Bartin]

24 minutes ago, cookinwithgas said:

Obamaphones - thats the government program started by Reagan isn't it?

I don't think they had a government program giving these out in the 80's

I think W is the one you want.

[cookinwithgas]

Thats right - Bush initiated it and Clinton signed it. Thanks.

[cookinwithgas]

That was the wireless part, actually the Lifeline program started in 1985 under Reagan

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-honig/the-truth-about-lifeline_b_3266143.html

[The Huddler]

you guys just find reasons to talk sshit about something

[TNPanther]

thread moved to tinderbox in 3..2..1...

[cookinwithgas]

i hope not no one is actually being a TBox jerk here

 

yet

[Gregg S]

2 hours ago, Argus Plexus said:

I know it's supposed to be artistic and all, but from a solar site assessment standpoint that is an extremely inefficient arrangement. Kind of a waste of money if you set them up all chaotically like that. Besides, North Carolina's climate isn't exactly ideal for solar power. Or wind for that matter. In fact, the only renewable source that's actually worth the money here is offshore wind, as strange as that sounds. Even hydro, king of renewable energy, only has good potential in the west of the state. Wave power has potential, but more research and development is needed.

In other words, that thing is a waste of money and would charge at least double (If not more) the amount of phones if it were arranged properly. They basically paid for a minimally functional array that simply looks nice. Our tax dollars at work, folks. Green energy is only awesome when sited and arranged properly, otherwise its simply a very expensive, barely functional conversation piece.

Actually, North Carolina ranks 3rd in the nation in solar energy generating capacity as of March, 2016.  http://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states

As for the design of the thing in the photo, it was probably taken into consideration that the sun moves across the sky during the day and the panels were positioned so that at least 2 or more panels will have maximum direct sunlight throughout the day.

As for the practicality and usefulness of the device, that remains to be seen.  

[Argus Plexus]

4 hours ago, Gregg S said:

Actually, North Carolina ranks 3rd in the nation in solar energy generating capacity as of March, 2016.  http://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states

As for the design of the thing in the photo, it was probably taken into consideration that the sun moves across the sky during the day and the panels were positioned so that at least 2 or more panels will have maximum direct sunlight throughout the day.

As for the practicality and usefulness of the device, that remains to be seen.  

Keep in mind capacity and actual generation are two completely different things. Ask China about how their huge wind capacity is helping them. Not very much.

[Doyle]

5 hours ago, shaqattaq said:

They can charge their iPhone 

I was actually being sarcastic and serious both with my comment. I see home less people charging their phones at random buildings with outside outlets.  They have to keep those cell phones charged in order to stay in touch with the dealers. 

[Argus Plexus]

5 hours ago, Gregg S said:

Actually, North Carolina ranks 3rd in the nation in solar energy generating capacity as of March, 2016.  http://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states

As for the design of the thing in the photo, it was probably taken into consideration that the sun moves across the sky during the day and the panels were positioned so that at least 2 or more panels will have maximum direct sunlight throughout the day.

As for the practicality and usefulness of the device, that remains to be seen.  

This is the information I was talking about earlier. This image is hosted on wikipedia, but originates from the USGS website. I'm just too lazy to dig for it anymore.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power_in_Utah#/media/File:Us_pv_annual_may2004.jpg

 

We are, in no way shape or form, in the top ten for solar potential in the US.

[TheSpecialJuan]

Cool