Solar/IBM/Airlight

[Rorschach]

You never heard of the space elevator concept, roach?

It offers cheap exploration/exploitation of space and a way to get huge solar PV cheaply and more effectively than anything. Have a read up.

Presently, Jap scientists have carbon nanotech cables that are strong enough but they can’t make them long enough, not yet.

Good grief... the day you know something (factual) that I don't already know is the day I know I need to get a new life.

Know all about it thanks and lots more besides. I think 2050 was the latest date on it. not that it will actually happen are you up to speed on the new "Diamond" nanothreads?

Personally if you think Sci-fi I prefer the Japanese Lunar Solar Ring Array idea.

oh and Monk aren't you worried your elevator's copper cable will rot?

[Lucas]

The guy is a certified simpleton complete with certificate.

[Rorschach]

More on solar technology....

http://sciencealert.com.au/news/20140506-25618.html

[Jasonofabitch]

I live in the Riverina. Irrigation wonder and Foodbowl of Australia.
Also inspiration behind the CSIRO's desire to outlay $10 BILLION towards doing another 'Riverina' up around the lower part of the Gulf of Carpentaria (Diamantina) region.

In India, they too have giant irrigation canals, etc...
...but they cover their irrigation canals with Solar Panels (huge, big and small) to attain more 'Free Power' and to lessen the 'evaporation' (heating) of the water channels.

[Rorschach]

http://cleantechnica.com/2014/07/02/ind ... -project-50-mw/

There are several types...
Solar panels over canals, and floating arrays, etc...