Renewable Energy in Germany - Can Germany be a Model for the US?
While vacationing in Germany, I have been surprised by the volume of renewable energy Germany has in its place. Germany is the world leader in installed Solar photovoltaic panels. Seeing is believing, I suspect every third home is equipped with these solar panels.
During my travels in Germany driving from north east Bavaria to western part of Rhineland-Pallantinate and then traveling north to Schleswig-Holstein and back south driving through Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt to my final destination in Bavaria, I was astonished by the insurmountable wind power in Germany.
Do you think that Germany could be a model for the U.S. in renewable energy?
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Copyright © 2011 By Petra Norris *Renewable Energy in Germany - Can Germany be a Model for the US?*
Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
(863) 619-6918
Due to differences in size and population densities among other things, I'm not sure that the German model can easily be transferred to North America. That isn't to say that we can't make an effort to harness green power, just that we'll have to find our own ways to do it.
I absolutely do think they are a excellent model to follow. I believe a team from Germany won the Solar decathlon for Universities last year. Their winning entry was enclosed with solar panels. thanks for the pictures.
There is so much more we could be doing in this country. Of course, since renewable energy would tend to lower costs I think there is not as much support from industry. But the toll on the environment is tremendous.
As with most things -- people won't make big changes until they have to.
Do you think it has something to do with the actual cost vs benefits? Here it isn't cost effective yet to make the switch. The cost of the panels and the amount of savings you get on your electric bill each month make it not worth the cost. Maybe there the panels cost less and the energy costs are as such that it actually pays to install them.
Todd, actually these photovoltaic are expensive, it really would take years, like 25 years, to get a return on your investment if it is not subsidized by rebates and government incentives. Germans live in their homes for generations. I do believe strongly in renewable energy, having in my house solar water heater that heats practically all my hot water and have attic ventilators that generate power through solar panels. To me the photovoltaic panels are the future for the homeowner to reduce their electric bill. The wind turbines I think would be very beneficial for all states.