Do you buy a new car every month? Why not?
For most of us, the reason would be that the expense would not be justified.
The answer to YOUR question is the same. The expense is not justified. Such "solutions" may have become MORE attractive over time, but there are no true savings to be had.
You mustn't base your decisions on highly biased reports of how damaging CO2 is going to be or how limited the world supply of crude oil is.
I worked in a business environment in which a one year payback on investment was considered quite attractive. Two years was also pretty much a no-brainer. But when you calculate a ten year payback, then you are dealing with a situation where circumstances might quickly change and cause the investment to have no payback or possibly even a long term cost that was not anticipated.
When solar energy installations have payback periods close to two years, without the uncertainty of continued government subsidy, then you will see significant activity.
Your points about investments are sound, but to be fair there's no energy generation projects with two year paybacks.
Thus the reason for my post...see the headline???
You mustn't base your decisions on highly biased reports of how damaging CO2 is going to be or how limited the world supply of crude oil is.
Never even thought of this...just thought, why aren't we using the sun, and glad prices are coming down so that more of us can heat our water and make electricity ourselves.
When solar energy installations have payback periods close to two years, without the uncertainty of continued government subsidy, then you will see significant activity.
Again, the reason for my post...glad to see, according to this headline, things are changing, BECAUSE, I just can't imagine...even being a mean 'ol Republican (as "they" think we are)... not making good use of the wonderful sunshine we have here in CA and in FL and HI. It's just a sin that it's wasting away every day.
And, the REAL answer to my fake turf question, you neglected to comment on... THAT answer is that we have too many union members and illegals that need work maintaining our landscapes!
That says a lot when you think about it. How long will you stay in your present home? If the payback period is too far down the road, you may not be there to enjoy it. I don't expect to stay in this same house more than 5 years, 6 tops. Possibly less if I decide to pursue a new career, or get transferred. Anything that doesn't present a positive cash flow for me within 2-3 years is a waste.
“I worked in a business environment in which a one year payback on investment was considered quite attractive. Two years was also pretty much a no-brainer. But when you calculate a ten year payback, then you are dealing with a situation where circumstances might quickly change and cause the investment to have no payback or possibly even a long term cost that was not anticipated. “
Please find me a scenario where our need for energy levels off or the world suddenly starts working without energy sources.
It’s not at all a risky long-term investment to develop new sources of competitive energy. The risk, so to speak, is that anything that doesn’t pay off in a year or two won’t result in a promotion or job-hopping opportunity. As a result people chase what can pay now and miss what we desperately need to have ready for later.
How do you think we got into a situation where the crucial resources we need to drive our whole economy are in the hands of 8th-century fanatics who want us dead? Short-term tactical thinking. Pah.