[Gay State Conservative]

There could very well be a time when solar power makes sense in certain parts of the world.Australia is basically one huge desert.We have desert areas in this country.Maybe other parts of the world as well.But northern Europe,northern parts of North America? Hard to see that happening.

[Mastador1]

There could very well be a time when solar power makes sense in certain parts of the world.Australia is basically one huge desert.We have desert areas in this country.Maybe other parts of the world as well.But northern Europe,northern parts of North America? Hard to see that happening

What's the cost of the cell, what is it's life and will it ever survive long enough to pay back it's cost. But most importantly, why would anyone feel it's okay to destroy the desert with solar cells and solar plants when we wont let our citizens recreate on the same property?

[sphinx]

The costs of solar have continued to decline, and solar power is carving out larger niches for off-grid applications. It's still a long way from competing for residential or business applications for any sites on the grid, absent massive subsidies. A neighbor of mine put solar panels on his roof. (He took advantage of a promotion that was being offered locally some years back, at the height of the solar subsidy mania.) His out of pocket expenses were about $3,000. The total project cost was about $30,000. Solar pays, if you can get someone else to foot 90% of the bill.

That said, costs continue to decline, and I would not be at all surprised if solar emerged as a viable option. But we're not there yet.

[PapaBear3625]

There could very well be a time when solar power makes sense in certain parts of the world.Australia is basically one huge desert.

Putting in a solar-powered desalinization plant might be viable. If the plant only runs when the sun shines, that's fine -- you just accumulate water then into holding tanks.