[wolf78]

Without massive subsidies, neither solar nor wind can replace coal or nuclear power for generating electricity.

Yes and no. If you run an energy-intensive industry, you need 24/7 baseload power. But prices for solar cells have halved over the last year. We're getting close to a point where it makes sense for WalMart (large commercial buildings, access to credit and / or cash at hand) to cover its roofs with solar cell to run the daytime air conditioning rather than pay peak rates. And that would be regardless of subsidies.

The car didn't replace the train as the dominant mode of transportation all at once, it first conquered specific niches. And that is the point where solar is right now. Where we go from there is up to the market to decide (how will the price for coal, for natural gas, for uranium develop, or in the case of solar cell manufacturing: high-grad silicon or arsenic?).

[wbill]

Where we go from there is up to the market to decide

Exactly. It would be foolish for anyone (individual, company, government) to look at alternative energies as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Alternative fuels - in their current form - are excellent for specific applications. Local (off-grid, home) power, and hot water come immediately to mind.

However, to try and apply the same tech that works well in miniature to a national scale is foolishness. And, to have the gov't attempt to pound that particular square peg into a round hole with the use of massive subsidies, is foolishness of the highest order.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***or in the case of solar cell manufacturing: high-grad silicon or arsenic?).***

Just wondering...How well does a solar cell hold up in a serious hail storm, say golf ball or larger sized hail stones? Or when a big tree limb is blown down and hits the pannels.