The Red Knight and the Dawn of the Solar Dragon, Part 2

On the next Probably True Solar Stories, we continue with part 2
of The Red Knight and the Dawn of the Solar Dragon. Gorin, The
Red Knight has invented a technology to replace dragon power with
short-sighted fossil fuel power. But can Gorin quietly replace
hundreds of fire-breathing dragons without getting burned and
starting a Second Dragon War? Maybe not...

True Solar Takeaways


Unions are truly a part of our utility energy operations and
construction. They bargain for good prevailing wages and
benefits, and they can also get involved in energy politics. For
example, utility unions largely oppose rooftop solar and will
lobby for legislation and regulations that support large-scale
solar (and their members). They also support legislation and
regulations that disincentivizes rooftop solar. Why? Because
small installation companies aren't part of the union and because
they fear that rooftop solar will decrease utility solar jobs. In
fact, we need both rooftop and utility solar in order to fight
climate change.

Likewise, coal, gas, and oil unions oppose solar because they
also know that their jobs will decrease. But the clean energy
writing is on the wall and their leadership understands that they
will eventually need to support retraining their workers for
clean energy and other industries.

Energy wonks often refer to the cost of energy over time as
the "Levelized Cost of Energy" or LCOE. It allows them to compare
the total cost of a solar plant to, say, a gas or coal plant.
Today, solar has the lowest LCOE. 

Milanium is an imaginary rare-earth metal. However, solar and
clean energy is in great need of many rare-earth metals and
not-so-are minerals. These include silicon, the base element for
making solar cells for solar panels, and lithium for making
rechargeable batteries. 

Peaker power plants are always on standby, so the cost to use
them is very expensive. Utilities use speakers for backup power
on hot days when more people are running their air conditioners.

Solar technology is now mature and reliable. There are over 4
million solar installations in the U.S. and millions more around
the world. PERC and TopCon are the current leading solar panel
technologies. Perovskite solar panels haven't been commercialized
yet, but they're close. Once commercialized, they will make solar
panels less expensive and generate more power per square inch.

Lithium-iron phosphate batteries are becoming more popular
for home backup power.  However, most home batteries use
Lithium-ion chemistries.

The chemistry formulas for iron-air batteries are now being
commercialized, allowing for affordable and long-lasting storage
of solar and wind power. These batteries can provide several
days' worth of stored energy, rather than just a few hours.

Wind power is already an inexpensive and reliable renewable
power.

Geothermal energy is a promising new source of renewable
energy. It harnesses heat from the Earth to create steam that
powers electric turbines. Geothermal power plants currently exist
in Iceland a



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