A VISION of trains powered by the sun will be outlined at a meeting in Winchester. Riding Sunbeams is a project to power global rail networks with solar PV and Hampshire has been chosen for the first pilot, potentially inspiring a revival of local community energy projects. The speakers will explain how the railway through Winchester may soon draw on local solar energy, and then discuss what actions local and central government could take to stimulate community projects across the county.
Hampshire Chronicle 11th Aug 2019 read more »
‘Farms are the best place on Earth to site solar panels’. A new study suggests if less than 1% of agricultural land around the world had solar panels deployed on it, it would provide enough renewable electricity to match global demand. The new research casts doubts on the popular approach of constructing large solar arrays in deserts, noting that dry, hot weather reduces the efficiency of panels, meaning they produce less electricity. The study saw researchers analyse five large ground-mounted solar panel arrays on farms owned by Oregon State – they found panels were most efficient when conditions are cool, slightly windy and dry, characteristics often found on farmland.
Energy Live News 11th Aug 2019 read more »