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phatelectribe t1_ixzpk67 wrote

Reply to comment by michaelb1 in News Release: NREL Creates Highest Efficiency 1-Sun Solar Cell - 39.5% efficiency by TimeSpentWasting

Same here but I have the roof space - unfortunately there’s absolutely nonsensical code that sates panels must be placed a certain distance from the roof ridge and also can’t be too close to the edge meaning that I can only use about 30% of my roof space. So If I max out my entire allowable roof space I only get about 70% of my power needs (even with everything in the house being high efficiency such as new appliances and led lighting etc).

Having panels that are twice as efficient (which is what this development means in real terms) would easily solve that issue.

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Anasterian1408 t1_ixzw3c3 wrote

I wouldn't say nonsensical.... Fire setbacks are if firefighters ever have to get on your roof, that have room to move and walk without tripping over the panels.

What's your actual kwh usage?

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Tigen13 t1_iy0hz75 wrote

If firefighters have to get on your roof, your house is likely toast anyway.

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ThellraAK t1_iy1gzwo wrote

A good chunk of firefighting had more to do with protecting life not property and keeping things from spreading.

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gramathy t1_iy1sb78 wrote

What about houses on either side? Behind?

Yours isn't the only house at risk.

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Tigen13 t1_iy3j595 wrote

I am not a firefighter nor do I have experience in the biz. I just don't see why a firefighter would ever want to walk on a roof in a bad fire. Every room has a window and provides better access to a fire without endangering a firefighters life. The roof is one of the most dangerous places to be in a fire because if the fire has weakend the roof the firefighter could be a step away from falling to their death. It's much safer to hang the ladder over the roof and spray from there.

Anyway, dumb code in my opinion which is why it isn't the norm.

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WarOnFlesh t1_iy4coqc wrote

percentage of houses that would benefit from a firefighter on the roof in its lifetime: 0.000001%.

percentage of houses that would benefit from maximizing solar panels: 99.999%

we're holding back billions in energy savings just in case a firefighter needs to get on the roof. a thing that almost never happens.

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