Just because PV panels are more effecient in the Southwest doesn't make them a waste elsewhere. There is a huge benefit from installation of PV panels even in areas like the Northwest Coast where it is cloudy most of the year.

Part of the benefit is the electricity produced, which allows more individuals and families to live off the grid and even produce electricity for their neighbors, and the other part is that the expanded private purchase and use of PV panels leads to public awareness, innovation, and lower prices, all of which will lead to the increased benefits of the technology.

I read an advance copy of this and loved every page, not realizing it was intended for young humans. I probably would not have read it had I known. CD's story Anda's game was especially good. Great job!

I ran out and bought one of these after a trip to England where it was indeed deemed an essential appliance and was really convenient for tea and also french press coffee.

However, upon receipt of said appliance, I learned that because the U.K., Germany and most of the rest of Europe operate on 230V rather than the U.S. standard 120V, the electric kettle takes a lot longer to heat up here than in Europe, making it less of an essential appliance and only a little better than you can do with an old kettle on a stovetop.