First week findings

My first week at REW Solar is about to end in a couple of hours, so it's time for first answers.

First of all, it doesn't seem to be too easy to quantify the amount of energy that the sun is sharing with us down here since I found different numbers on that, but it seems safe to say that any 30 minutes "a one year supply" of the energy needed worldwide rains down on us. This is quite HUGE!

Below you will find an illustration that helps to understand the immense quantity of solar energy that reaches the earth in one year (1), compared to the annual world consumption of energy (7). All reserves of coal (4), natural gas (3), oil (5) and uranium (6) are shown also. Now guess what the tiny cube (2) displays: it is the amount of solar energy that we currently use! One can't overlook the potential, right?!

Again, it's hard to name precise numbers, but this need for energy is going to double in the next 20 years, while the amount of fossil fuels is going down rapidly. No one knows when the prices for a gallon of this endless source won't be affordable anymore, some say there's no need for panic, others think there is.
 

Personally, I think the answer is obvious. We all remember the disaster that happened some 5000 feet deep down in the Gulf of Mexico, which shows the risks we have to take these days in order to feed our inevitable hunger for energy. Furthermore, looking at your latest receipts will help you visualize the need for a change: stopping at the gas station is just not what it used to be, and the day Con Edison sends its bill hopefully is not a friday... just in case you planned to take out your wife for a fancy dinner on Saturday. :)
 

We need to find a balance...when it comes to our energy consumption, and also regarding our finances and lifestyle. Do you still believe investing in the stock market is a smart move? Or do you tend to go into the raw-materials market to find out whether that is a safe bet?
 

May I suggest: Invest in your own property. Make yourself independent. I feel like investing in solar is like duck, cover and smile, while holding out your hand to take the incentives that are offered to you.

Let me double check this whole investment thing, but so far there is no rub in sight. I'll keep you posted. Have a nice weekend!

What do you think? Looking forward to read your comments.