solar power

[Hoplite]

Something to consider with nuclear, yes accidents are extremely rare but if they do happen they tend to have very severe consequences.

I, personally, am uncomfortable with the possibility of these risks. I am the first one to admit they are extremely rare and to date have yet to cause any mass casualties. But the "it hasn't gone south yet" excuse is not good enough to justify playing with matches in a dry field.

 

[mac]

For residential use, in most inhabited regions, solar is the best way to go. First, start with a solar hot water heater. Making hot water is a major energy consumer in most homes. Use the remainder of the roof for electricity producing panels. The most common misconception is that solar only produces during the day. While this is technically correct, keep in mind that most houses are often empty for 6-8 hours a day so energy produced during that time can be stored. Either by battery or the grid in a grid tied system.

Maximizing air flow in the house useing whole house fans and thermal window curtains can help keep the house cool in moderate areas without the need for AC, while zoned heating systems can heat the rooms your in rather than the whole house all the time.

Solar power technology hasn't advanced to the point where it's all you need, but increasing the efficiency of your house will greatly shorten the gap. Use CFLs, turn of computers and lights when not in use. Get programmable thermostats that reduce energy use when you aren't home. Always maximize insulation and install energy efficient windows. Always buy energy star appliances.

New houses are being designed to be energy efficient, but it is possible to greatly increase the energy efficiency of older homes, and there are many tax breaks both at the federal and state levels to help offset the cost.

 

[Deuce]

chernobyl was overdue for decommissioning from what I understand. It was also a type of reactor that is no longer in use, and theere are very different systems in place today.

Worse than that, actually. The Chernobyl reactor's safety systems actually did kick in and begin a shutdown well before the disaster occured. The workers deliberately deactivated the safety systems in order to continue power output. The plant worked like it was supposed to. It wasn't human "error" is was deliberate stupidity.