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Google to Convert HQ to Solar Power

Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:29 PM EDT
business, technology, environment, google, solar, greenvine, solar-energy, positive-news
Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer

This undated 3-D rendering provided by Google Inc. shows a high-tech Mecca nicknamed the "Googleplex" that the Internet search leader plans to build in Silicon Valley. Google believes the sun eventually can deliver as much as 30 percent of the power at its 1-million-square-foot campus in Mountain View, a suburb located about 35 miles south of San Francisco. (AP Photo/Google Inc.)

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  • Regions: United States , San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
  • Public Discussion (57)
fritzg

Just the other day I was thinking that Google is just getting too big of a footprint in our lives and was getting worried about their corporate mentality and then they do something smart and progressive like this. Good for them.

I am still cautious though.

  • 11 votes
Reply#1 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 12:14 AM EDT
Greg Plancich

Our Google overlords sensed you thinking that and to keep you happy and not thinking for yourself, started this project.

I'm just kidding. I love Google and it's awesome that they're doing this.

  • 1 vote
#1.1 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 1:01 AM EDT
gvance

I think they are just trying to divert attention from their compromised values in the case of China.
It is a positive, but advancing China protectionist empire by stifling human rights is enough for me not to use their product.

THEIR FOORTPRINT IS ON THE HEAD OF THE AVERAGE CHINESE.

  • 1 vote
#1.2 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 3:39 PM EDT
AdipicAcid

So you use no search engines at all? Both Microsoft and Yahoo have also kowtowed, you know.

I would also hope that you buy nothing made in China as well. Which means I wonder what sort of computer you are using to access Newsvine...

  • 7 votes
#1.3 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 4:43 PM EDT
gecko85

I would also hope that you buy nothing made in China as well. Which means I wonder what sort of computer you are using to access Newsvine...

And what clothers you're wearing, shoes on your feet, what type of toaster you use, microwave, and the list goes on....

  • 3 votes
#1.4 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 4:58 PM EDT
gvance

Apples and oranges.

Toaster and browsers.

    #1.5 - Thu Oct 19, 2006 4:11 PM EDT
    Reply
    Aine MacDermot

    *stands up and cheers* Way to set the example, Google!

    • 8 votes
    Reply#2 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 12:42 AM EDT
    Robbie Lawrence

    *Joins Aine in cheering*

    Although this won't really set an example, since other monopolistic companies like Microsoft and Apple and too money-hungry to care about the environment, hopefully more smaller businesses (from cafes to ISPs) will start taking note.

    I wonder how many more solar panels they could have installed had they not brought out YouTube... ;)

    • 2 votes
    Reply#3 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 1:02 AM EDT
    Aine MacDermot

    I was wondering if they're going to do the same thing at the data center they're going to build in Michigan. I'll be watching...
    *grin*

    • 1 vote
    #3.1 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 1:28 AM EDT
    Robbie Lawrence

    Hopefully they'll do it from the off -- that way it will cost them less and will pay itself off much quicker.

    Do send pictures over if they do!

      #3.2 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 1:29 AM EDT
      Daniel G. L. S.

      Actually Microsoft has one of the largest solar panel systems in silicon valley.
      http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/apr06/04-21SolarPowerPR.mspx

      It's good to know MSFT has some good aspects worth copying :-)

      • 2 votes
      #3.3 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 5:04 AM EDT
      Robbie Lawrence

      That's barely comparable to what Google's about to do... :P

        #3.4 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 5:48 AM EDT
        KyleN

        If it pays for iteself in 5 years then is a benefit, the big companies should jump all over it. Easy money, most of their plans are for greater than 5 year returns already so it should be a no-brainer.

        I don't understand why Google is limiting it to 30% if it's going to reduce cost that much, why not make it 100%. I would seriously doubt the difference in initial cost is going to eat away too much of their $10 billion. The only thing I can think of is they simply don't have the real estate size there to produce more than 30%. If they combine that with sourcing the rest of their power from solar/wind producers that would be the best as long as it really is saving money.

        • 2 votes
        #3.5 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:41 AM EDT
        gecko85

        I don't understand why Google is limiting it to 30% if it's going to reduce cost that much, why not make it 100%.

        Size. Getting 30% of your total energy requirements for a high-tech firm (think: lots of computers running all the time...) is a major accomplishment, and will require a ton of panels (9,200 according to the article.) They simply wouldn't have the *space* to put enough solar panels to run 100% of their power. Unfortunately, solar panels aren't very efficient.

        • 1 vote
        #3.6 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 11:25 AM EDT
        Robbie Lawrence

        Solar panels have about 20% effeciency, so as tcervo said, it'll be very hard to run 100% of their data centre on solar panels alone.

        Next thing Google will invest in will be silent wind power generators :P

        • 1 vote
        #3.7 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 8:02 PM EDT
        AdipicAcid

        Next thing Google will invest in will be silent wind power generators :P

        All we need to do is install one of those things in Washington while Congress is in session and we could power the world.

        • 2 votes
        #3.8 - Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:27 AM EDT
        Robbie Lawrence

        No -- we need a massive second-hand-smoke converter. That'll do it. :D

        • 1 vote
        #3.9 - Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:30 AM EDT
        Reply
        freelancer

        go green google its nice to see the corporate giant thinking of alternate energy means , this augments well for the US solaor energy industry

          Reply#4 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 1:20 AM EDT
          Faruk Ates

          I hope Apple will follow suit with the construction of their second Apple Campus — it's an excellent opportunity to include solar power, as the building is yet to be designed :)

          • 1 vote
          Reply#5 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 4:10 AM EDT
          prompt

          This is just like a movie - they make us love them, then they rape us from behind.

          *takes off tinfoil hat*

          I must say, they don't give us too many reasons to dislike them, do they. This will be quite a great accomplishment once it is complete, and hopefully it catches on. Who says we need government to promote more eco-friendly business?

          • 3 votes
          Reply#6 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 4:26 AM EDT
          Faruk Ates

          Well, for starters, you'd need a different government for that anyway. The Bush administration is notorious for its wasteful tactics, environment-unfriendly policies and what not.

          At least the Hybrids are getting a nice Gov't-approved subsidy… guess they ain't all bad ;)

          • 1 vote
          #6.1 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:02 AM EDT
          Aine MacDermot

          I'd like to see Capitol Hill go eco-friendly... be the example.

          • 1 vote
          #6.2 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:58 AM EDT
          Robbie Lawrence

          90% of their polution is cigars.

          • 5 votes
          #6.3 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:18 AM EDT
          Reply
          kayjay

          Google really is the Luke Skywalker of the Corporate World.

          • 3 votes
          Reply#7 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:10 AM EDT
          olivetti250

          Who's Darth, then?

            #7.1 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:57 AM EDT
            KyleN

            IBT, NEA, SEIU or maybe AFL/CIO you know the forces of Empire.

            • 1 vote
            #7.2 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:46 AM EDT
            Steven R.

            "Who's Darth then?"

            Uh, a little company called Microsoft!

              #7.3 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:46 AM EDT
              Brian DeWeese

              Uh.... how can Microsoft run on Solar Energy? If they could figure out a way to convert cloud cover into energy.... hmmmm... okay really not the point.

              • 2 votes
              #7.4 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 2:27 PM EDT
              gecko85

              Uh.... how can Microsoft run on Solar Energy? If they could figure out a way to convert cloud cover into energy.... hmmmm... okay really not the point.

              The Microsoft campus that has a few solar panels is in Mountain View, CA...Not too far from Google...

                #7.5 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 3:38 PM EDT
                Reply
                Marilyn L

                Fantastic, this is what the alternative energy movement needs, large-scale installations that support the alternative energy companies, allow for refining the technology, and also make good business sense. Way to go, Google! Apple, take note! Everyone else, too, especially the Government.

                • 2 votes
                Reply#8 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 8:15 AM EDT
                bingojackson

                If all the other major corporations were to follow the great example set by Google the prices of installing solar cells would fall dramatically. The government will only be able to stop subsidies when economies of scale make the product cheaper. If they were to pass a law requiring all new build properties to be solar powered (at least in part) prices would soon fall to the point where everyone could afford to do it.

                Good on Google, a bit of environmental awareness is a nessesary thing in this day and age.

                • 1 vote
                Reply#9 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 8:16 AM EDT
                K.Hodge

                more demand would not decrease the price, better technology to meet more demand might.

                • 1 vote
                #9.1 - Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:21 PM EDT
                Faruk Ates

                And more demand for the product would be the only way for anyone to try and create better technology to meet more demand, so more demand indirectly equals a decrease in price, in this case.

                • 1 vote
                #9.2 - Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:25 AM EDT
                Robbie Lawrence

                When was the last time you studied economics, K.Hodge?

                  #9.3 - Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:50 AM EDT
                  K.Hodge

                  Not that long ago, but hey feel free to question my intelligence, I know i'm questioning yours right now.

                  News flash, the demand is already there, which is why there is a VAST amount of Venture Capital going into any solar company with brains. In fact, there is a backlog because the technology isn't there for solar companies to produce enough solar panels to meet demand. But you obviously knew this, because you've recently studied economics eh robbie?

                  If every major corporation were to follow Google's example, you'd have a large demand for the very small number of solar panels out there, price goes up. You can't just throw money in the air and say economies of scale, it takes time, and technology. It won't happen overnight. Increased demand will not lead to a decrease in price, better technology may lead to the decrease in price. Increased demand leads to a increase in price. I think thats first year economics, but hey, since you're the one studying it, you tell me.

                  • 2 votes
                  #9.4 - Tue Oct 24, 2006 9:51 PM EDT
                  Robbie Lawrence

                  Maybe all the books and shtuff were wrongzzzzz.

                  • 1 vote
                  #9.5 - Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:35 PM EDT
                  K.Hodge

                  no comment.

                  • 1 vote
                  #9.6 - Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:13 AM EDT
                  Robbie Lawrence

                  nuh

                    #9.7 - Thu Oct 26, 2006 5:08 AM EDT
                    Reply
                    Ryan Joseph

                    Very nice! Just one more reason to love Google! And I love the Google Earth photo, too. :-)

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#10 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:34 AM EDT
                    olivetti250

                    Ever since I was a kid getting all scorched in the sun, I've wondered why we didn't use all those cool panels I saw on the Discovery channel. My father said there was no need for it, and it'd never work.

                    HA HA. I win that argument 10 years later, Dad.

                    • 3 votes
                    Reply#11 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:57 AM EDT
                    Oluseye

                    Fantastic. I hope they also contribute to research for further developing the technology.

                    • 3 votes
                    Reply#12 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 11:27 AM EDT
                    Guido SohneDeleted
                    Reply
                    gecko85

                    Good stuff, Google. I already held them in high regards as a company for their work practices. Ever wonder how the cool new things they develop in the "Google Labs" get started? Google has a policy encouraging employees to spend a certain percentage of their time at work "playing" with whatever tickles their fancy. If they come up with something they think is cool/useful, they show it around the office. If it gains some traction, it goes into the Lab for further development...Many of the cool Google tools we now have were started this way. No upper management directives or long boring meetings...just smart employees having the freedom to do what they want.

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#13 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 11:33 AM EDT
                    scpen20

                    good for google, I wonder if they went with a paperless office.

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#14 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 12:04 PM EDT
                    basil1

                    This is great news. Something for Google.org to talk about. Anyone hear about that by the way? Apparently it will be a for-profit charity! Awesomeness. Probably.

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#15 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 12:42 PM EDT
                    KevinR

                    This is what happens when you have too much money to spend.

                    Google, i'm telling you this is going to bit you in your ass someday.

                    They have so much money and they aren't using it right. Gobbling up YouTube and installing Solar Panels,what a perfect opporitunity to throw away some money.

                    They're going to get sued out of their ass when they can't live up to the demands of the video and record companies for copyright infringment and when they have no money left, along with their stock going to fall in the future, they're going to blame it on lavish spendings such as this Solar Panel Project.

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#16 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 1:01 PM EDT
                    Noah BradleyDeleted
                    alkey

                    A Return to Older Energy Debates:

                    Solar panels are a really good investment. Especially with newer solar technology that came out this year. The panels are more efficient than ever (prices will drop once mass-mass-production kicks in). Importing energy from a power plant to your home will probably get more expensive. Energy companies are even subsidising energy conservation efforts--because they know they can't provide enough power in the near future.

                    I'd buy some solar panels myself, but I don't have a house or anywhere to put them at.

                    • 2 votes
                    #16.2 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 5:03 PM EDT
                    KyleN

                    I wish it were true that residential solar panels are a good investment. I recently bought/built a house, but it still wasn't economical to put solar panels of any sort on it. I spent 3 months trying to find some way shape or form to afford doing so but in all cases it would not break even. The cost divided out by the savings over the projected lifespan never matched.

                    The only way it works elsewhere is through tax breaks, or other government incentives not the technology itself. In the most optimistic of projections it would take 10-15 years to break even and that's under the super assumption that there was zero maintenance cost over the entire period.

                    • 4 votes
                    #16.3 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 5:09 PM EDT
                    Reply
                    David Gottfried

                    Very interesting news, and I'm sure a bonus to the California power grid. Granted, overall it's a small piece of the pie, but anything that reduces peak load on the grid is worthwhile.

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#17 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 5:05 PM EDT
                    Techgamer

                    As great as this is, Google just seems to be on a PR blitz right now. They're taking as much publicity as they can get. Youtube? Check. Solar Power? Check. Within one week? Check. They've already made huge waves in the stock market... What else do they plan on doing?

                    Though like I said, the switch is most definately welcomed.

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#18 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:58 PM EDT
                    drulff

                    This is just hinting at the future...after they own all of the earth (Google Earth, as it shall be known), they plan on buying the sun. I love Google.

                    • 4 votes
                    Reply#19 - Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:20 PM EDT
                    stevetherobot

                    So, if my math skills hold up (no guarantees about that), the Googleplex uses as much electricity as 30,000 homes! That's a lot of jigawatts!

                      Reply#20 - Thu Oct 19, 2006 10:30 AM EDT
                      K.Hodge

                      I dont see how you did that math. The only numbers i see are 30% of their power supply, and one thousand homes. One thousand divided by .3 = 3333.33 homes.

                      Thats just the googleplex though, their server farms use considerably more power.

                      • 2 votes
                      #20.1 - Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:07 PM EDT
                      stevetherobot

                      Well, I did warn you about my math skills. :)

                      • 1 vote
                      #20.2 - Wed Oct 25, 2006 9:50 AM EDT
                      Reply
                      alkey

                      There's a video on Google techtalks about a cheap, clean, nuclear option. Maybe they'll mix nuclear energy in with the solar stuff.

                      http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1996321846673788606

                        Reply#21 - Wed Jan 10, 2007 3:58 PM EST
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