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What David MacKay thinks about solar

@david-mackay · 27 positions · 0 changes of mind

Physicist. Professor at the University of Cambridge from 1995 to his death in 2016, Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change from 2009 to 2014. Wrote Sustainable Energy — without the hot air (2008), which he published free at withouthotair.com.

David MacKay did not write this page.

We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.

3 dated positions, 2008, in their own words. Our reading of what David MacKay has said — not written or endorsed by them.

3 positions so far — this page is not yet offered to search engines.

  1. Our readingPhotovoltaic panels will keep getting cheaper and less energy-intensive to manufacture over time.

    Their wordsI am sure that photovoltaic panels will become ever cheaper; I’m also sure that solar panels will become ever less energy-intensive to manufacture, so their energy yield ratio will improve.

    ↗Sustainable Energy — without the hot airinference.org.uk 6th of 27 in this piece

    energy

    Interesting

  3. Our readingEurope cannot meet its energy needs from renewables alone and will need nuclear power, solar power from deserts elsewhere, or both.

    Their wordsJust like Britain, Europe can’t live on its own renewables. So if the aim is to get off fossil fuels, Europe needs nuclear power, or solar power in other people’s deserts (as discussed on p179), or both.

    ↗Sustainable Energy — without the hot airinference.org.uk 23rd of 27 in this piece

    energyEuropenuclear power

    Interesting

  5. Our readingSolar thermal water heating is a practical technology that works in most of the world.

    Their wordsSolar thermal water heaters are a no-brainer. They will work almost everywhere in the world.

    ↗Sustainable Energy — without the hot airinference.org.uk 24th of 27 in this piece

    Interesting