Giant solar energy panels put to good use

Albert Bezzina

Jul 11th 2008, 14:26

It seems that there is a Times misprint. The Economic Update has an advert by Titan which states the same but instead of 4000 kwh it states 40,000 kwh which would in fact equate to 35 tons of CO2 saving. It would still be interesting to equate this saving with the total carbon footprint of the group and the capital outlay relative to profits.

Robert Cassar

Jul 11th 2008, 09:10

The government should strongly subsidise the purchase of such solar generated energy to make it assessable to all houses in Malta. However people like my self living in apartments will have a problem to install such thing as we are not allowed use of roof.

Albert Bezzina

Jul 10th 2008, 21:30

Taking government buildings (including Mater Dei) and industrial areas in Malta - including vast areas between main buildings or car parks - would easily come to around 3.5 square kilometres of available space. Photovoltaics are expensive but are expected to go down in price (except in Malta of course!) when new crystalline silicon production facilities come on steam in a few years time lowering the current price of silicon due to demand outstripping supply. First step should be near off shore 2.5 MW turbine fields, next step should be solar thermal generators and lastly photovoltaics. SORRY! MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE FIRST STEP IS TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION AND INCREASE EFFICIENCY OF ENERGY UTILIZATION.

Well done Titan. Hold on. What is the turnover of the Mizzi group in €€€€? What is its carbon footprint? How does a saving of 3.5 tons (well pointed out Mr Fenech) of CO2 compare with all emissions from the group? AND what percentage of the group's annual profits would the cost of the 'giant' panels equate too.

Publicity stunt? Let the readers decide.

M. Borg

Jul 10th 2008, 19:12

@Joseph Stafrace - no need to install them on residential homes; if they start with Mater Dei its already a massive surface area

john fenech

Jul 10th 2008, 16:43

Well done to Titan International .If the Government will follow this example and run the energy required in its department from renewable energy source it will be leading by example.
By the way 35 Tons of CO² equate to 40,588 Kwh per annum. Energy generation from our plants release 0.878 Kgs CO² per Kwh. I think it should read 3.5 Tons CO² per annum.

Joseph Stafrace

Jul 10th 2008, 12:46

Lets be honest, the price of an installation for a "normal Household" is beyond the reach of the average family not to mention the laughable rate Enemalta pays back for excess electricity. Wouldn't it be more practical for the Government/EneMalta to install photovoltaic panels at its own expense on the roofs of willing residents and harvest the excess electricity. This would be a one time investment which would pay for itself in the long run, considering the skyrocketing of the price of fuels.