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That's true but with the environmentalist nutcases logic, common sense, and basic understanding of electrical theories and laws goes out the window. They remind me of persons who think you can start a generator in motion then have it power a motor to keep the generator turning.

Cost alone makes solar power prohibitive in most cases. In some cases it is cheaper than paying for electric utilities but not often. A mountain cabin a mile from nearest powerline would be such an example.

It should be noted that in addition to directly subsidizing the manufacturer they are still giving away state money and federal tax credits for installing solar. With all that they still went belly up. The same has happened to the ethanol industry and windmills aren’t far behind. A waste of money and our taxes.

"Cost alone makes solar power prohibitive in most cases. In some cases it is cheaper than paying for electric utilities but not often. A mountain cabin a mile from nearest powerline would be such an example."

That was very well considered and well said. I'm in a situation like that (too far from any power company hookup).

PV solar power can only be competitive with grid power for someone close to the grid in my area (over 300 sun days per year), if he does good research (theory, products, prices, etc.) and installation himself. And a self-install must be inspected and strictly to code (NEC). A self-install can also be dangerous for anyone who lacks safety knowledge or education in electrical/electronics work.

On the other hand, solar radiant heat with a homebuilt drainback system can be very competitive against the costs of conventional furnace heat in any fairly sunny part of the country, but installation involves quite a bit of study and work (electrical safety and code knowledge probably also required to a lesser degree, and maybe an inspection).

I'm not a greenie by any stretch, but I'm cheap, and a believer in self-sufficiency during these economic/government times for anyone who has enough will to work at it.

you be correct, I decided to Solar Power my well on some property I own because it would cost around 15k to run power up my mountain, I did it for 6k going Solar, now the House has real electricity.