[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by Awd180

... Other wise it's been calculated by numerous people capable of providing valid results, covering the glob in solar panels wouldn't come close to meeting a small percent of our needs...

Ah ha, so you did not work that out by yourself.
I did.

A typical solar panel can deliver say 100 Watt per square meter.
The globe does have a lot of square meters. If we take just land for practicality that's 148,940,000,000,000 of them, according to Wikipedia.

The panel will only yield power half of the time, and almost never reach its peak. It will be more effective close to the equator and in areas with al lot of fair weather. If their average production is just 10% of their full capacity we're on the safe side. It is likely more than that, but 10% is enough for now.

So the earth could yield 1,489,400,000,000,000 Watt continuously (1.489 pentaWatt; 10% of 100W per square meter)
The total world energy consumption in 2008 according to Wikipedia was 143.851 pentaWatthour.
So in just 4 days the solar cells would have provided all the energy the earth needs in a full year. Not just electric but all, including oil etc.

It does not cover a small percentage of our needs, I give you that.
It covers 9200% of our needs. Being conservative in panel efficiency and exposure...

Such a pity those panels are so expensive, or else...
Some companies claim it will be possible in the near future to print solar panels just like any ordinary newspaper.
If that ever becomes true the whole ball game is turned over. You can choose any color for your car as long as it is solar panel color Same for your roof plating, same for outer walls, you name it.

Time for bed around here. I'll sleep well tonight.