“Yes, he’s an idiot, but the breakeven point is a whole lot sooner than you think. The US taxpayers are refunding 30% of his cost next April 15. The utility is paying him for contributing to their renewable energy assets in addition to cutting his utility bill - and charging his neighbors more to cover the “solar renewable energy credits”
“Although I am kind of surprised by the hatred evinced by some for solar and enviromental concerns”
See above. The only way anyone even considers solar or wind power is with massive government subsidies. Subsidies paid for with MY tax dollars. Wind and solar don’t work, probably will neve work as utility grade producers of electricity. The are expensive, complex, and have short life spans in addition to their own environmental problems. Solar and wind power systems both have to be backed up by conventional generation plants because wind and solar are not reliable. Yeah, I have a lot of hate for the “greenies” because they are stupid and they lie and I have to pay for it.
Not only that, but I have “never” seen any mainstream TRUE analysis of what the TOTAL result is of the balancing equation which describes the NET benefit/cost of any of these wonderful green solutions.
Even if they have been calculated, we certainly don’t see them published along with the description of the applications.
>Total pollution generated by making a standard size solar panel
>Total pollution generated by charging an electric vehicle
>Total pollution created by manufacturing the battery set for an electric vehicle vs a gas/diesel engine
>Total pollution caused by a hybrid versus a conventional vehicle of same size and capability
>Total REAL cost vz benefit of one commercial sized wind generator
etc, etc, etc
Anyone who lives in FL and doesn't use Solar Power to heat his hot water is an idiot. It is dumb simple and doesn't involve electricity.
All It means is that hot hot water constantly flows into your water heater so one doesn't need as much electricity to run it. Not exactly the surgery of rockets.
Now as far as using solar power to generate electricity, why not? It is heavily subsidized, replete with low interest loans, tax breaks, etc. etc. Zwalley has figured out, in essence ... how to charge his neighbor for his electricity! BTW, some slick used solar panel salesman really took this boob downtown on the price! And yeah, a nifty hurricane could remove it very efficiently.
The Maine dream is to "go off the grid" with hydroelectric. In the 18th and 19th century, the nation was choc-abloc with sawmills running off small streams and millponds. Perfect for low-head hydro installations!
In Ohio, Oklahoma, and elsewhere, farmsteads run off their own natural gas. Think outside the box! Utility powerplants and distribution networks waste 25% in just transmission and distribution.