The Falmouth climate proposals can be summarized as more solar, convert to electric heating and more electric cars.
A search on Wikipedia for CO2 emissions (MtCO2) by country reveals that between 1990 and 2021 – the world 22,674 to 37,858, China 2,397 to 12,466, India 606 to 2,648, and United States 5,086 to 4,752.
China manufactures 80% of solar panels and 77% of electric car batteries. Manufacturing of solar panels and electric car batteries requires mining and refining of many minerals and metals. The energy required to produce these items exceeds the potential environmental benefits. Car batteries have a useful life of 10 years and solar panels have a 20-year life. Disposal of these items creates an enormous environmental issue. Transferring CO2 emissions to China is not an effective U.S. climate strategy.
Solar panels create electricity in a highly inefficient manner with enormous, wasted electricity. In Maine, peak electricity generation occurs during a 3- to 3.5-hour period between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Dec. 21 Portland has 535 minutes of sunshine and on June 21 has 927 minutes. This factor alone means that solar panel electrical generation in winter is at least 40% less than in summer.
Electric cars are driven during the daytime and recharged at night. To charge a car overnight, a 50-watt service is required. Many homes require electrical modifications to provide this level of service, especially if they have more than one car. Transformers will also have to be upgraded. This increased evening electrical capacity will not be satisfied with solar panels.
Converting to electrical heating results in increased electrical demand during winter months. This is not consistent with when solar energy is created.
The Falmouth climate proposal requires increasing electricity generation in winter and the policy does not address this. Nuclear, hydropower and natural gas electrical generation is needed.
James Solley
Falmouth
This letter was edited Oct. 9 to correct an editing error about China’s 2021 emissions.
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