It means at least one thing. Google doesn't plan to replace the sun :)

Due to title of this thread i visited it with a view to read something about Google and Sun Microsystems joint venture, but found its the Sun (Solar System) not the Sun Microsystems :-) LOL

free power w/unobtrusive ads! heh.

Great, now I have to worry about my sites rank on cloudy days versus sunny. :)

I wonder if Googles solar collector will block the sun from the rest of silicon valley ala Monty Burns.

Maybe the project is intended as a nose-thumbing gesture to Microsoft: "Try this in the Pacific Northwest, you schooks!"

Due to title of this thread i visited it with a view to read something about Google and Sun Microsystems joint venture

Heh, I thought so too!

Good for Google, setting an example.

I heard it was going to pay for itself in 5 years which makes me wonder why more companies do not do this.

1.6 megawatts?

if only they could generate 1.21 gigawatts they could travel back in time and squash microsoft.

-- It means at least one thing. Google doesn't plan to replace the sun

There is always an alternative.

Today is Colder than ye$terday, becau$e today i$ windy... :)

Just how big is the Plex?

Depending on precise meanings, this could require in the region of 50,000 sq metres of roof space, possibly more. I've read that the plex is ~1 million sq feet - that's around 100,000 sq metres. So if my maths is correct, unless it is arranged entirely over two floors, it doesn't look as though they have enough roof space for that kind of power generation.

Maybe it might peak at ~1.6 MW but I can't see them reaching that value as an average power output.

Kaled.

I heard it was going to pay for itself in 5 years which makes me wonder why more companies do not do this.

Because Wall St., and corporate boards, regard planning for NEXT year as long-term plannning!

There is no way it will pay for itself in five years. It's not likely to even show a 5% return on investment per year (unless there are some green energy subsidies involved).

You may have heard it but unless Google has magically developed some startlingly new technology or done some fantastic price deal on green energy (which I doubt since it's entirely for company use) it's not going to happen.

Kaled.

Did you know that all Google employees get free ice cream too!

I heard it was going to pay for itself in 5 years which makes me wonder why more companies do not do this...

I heard the same - from the blurb they sent out.

Unfortunately, that is pure baloney.

At the very best, if they get maximum tax writeoffs, incentives, and state rebates you are looking at 12 years bare minimum, with 15 years being more realistic.