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ravenise (October 3, 2008 at 5:05 pm)
it is probably very simple to make them last longer... couldn't one dip them in some kind of plastic/material that could extend its life? or is it the photovoltaic parts that degrade over time?
bereaman (October 1, 2008 at 6:36 pm)
Whats that mean exactly.?
orangeblueandlavenda (September 20, 2008 at 11:21 pm)
if you could figure out away to make them last three to five years - they would sell.
servant74 (August 21, 2008 at 2:59 am)
expect to replace the entire lot each year. They seem to be trying to 'go for the brass ring' of utility companies rather than 'real people'. If they get it sold, the vulture capitalists will make a killing. If not, we may loose a promising technology.
servant74 (August 21, 2008 at 2:54 am)
They say it lasts about a year in the FAQ
ericj9 (August 10, 2008 at 12:59 am)
So when exactly does it come to market? After going to the website, I found this fun FAQ:
Can I buy coolearth's solar concentrator? How much?
No, we don't sell our products or systems to third parties and consequently we don't quote our prices either on this web site or through email inquiries.
$0.18 per watt does nothing for me if I can't get it. Somehow I don't see the utility company passing the savings on to me either. I wish there was an alternative to the $8 solar panel. distant future?
FlanneltheNerfer (July 25, 2008 at 10:08 pm)
Where does the discarded balloons go? A landfill? Perhaps this system creates waste? Could the cost of recycling the balloons be incorporated into the final cost of the system?
daveymilla (July 15, 2008 at 7:58 am)
i think a very good idea with wide range of applications. i was just looking at your grid for holding and pointng these devices. i think this could be done with cables only and no brackets. ie one tight cable and one adjustable cable. the solarballs are pivoted on the tight cable, the angle is adjusted by the second cable.
Cr3ativity (July 12, 2008 at 7:11 pm)
One large problem that you may have not realized. Solar panels do not consume as much solar energy when they are placed in heat, as opposed to when they are cool. However, if the inside of the ball is a vacuum then it would work. The problem with the vacuum idea now is that there is no AIR. Hence, there is NOTHING to inflate the balloon with....
AviChick (June 28, 2008 at 1:59 pm)
i think the lifespan is a problem, otherwise not a bad idea |
