Here is what the acolytes of solar power don't want you to know...

self | July 15, 2003 | Boot Hill

[biblewonk]

I have a friend here at work that also just loves solar power, not that I don't I just like wind better, that is always pointing out that after 30 years they are still working. Solar panels last a long long time once you make the initial investment.

This person bought 4 55 watt panels for a thousand bucks. They have been in boxes in his garage for 3 or 4 years because he doesn't want to cut down the trees necessary to get the sun to the panels. He keeps talking about buying a Bergey windmill too.

He almost cried when I told him this country uses 3 quads per year which amounts to about 10 mwhr per person per year.

[logic]

That's where recycling comes in. Until it catches on and farmers start producing tons of it, which will bring the cost down to a reasonable/competitve price, just go to your local McDonalds (or any other greasy spoon resturant) and offer place a bid to become their new contracter to remove their used fryer oil. If they are nice and helpful they might tell you how much they pay for the service now, so you can underbid the current contractor, but still get paid to provide the service. That means you could get paid to get free fuel!!! God I love free enterprise!!!

[Boot Hill]

DB says:   "I think a better summary would be:   You believe solar electric generation is a technology without a future."

That would be more of a secondary premise, my primary point was that, as of today, solar power makes no economic, engineering, ecological or practical sense whatsoever.

But nevertheless, that was a pretty good summary and I enjoyed the reasoned exchange.

--Boot Hill

[wolfman]

I find it hard to believe that a photo cell doesn't produce more energy in it's life than it took to produce the cell.

[Corduroy90]

there are undoubtably quite few people who do not have the background in physics to understand the mechanics behind solar power. I guess Liberal is the word you use to describe the portion of that population who think solar energy is viable. Maybe its not, but honestly you have to realize any fanatisizm, or at least most of it, stems from a concern that is very natural. I dont know, I have read so much about Peak oil recently, that I wouldnt mind if more research went into alternative fuel sources. You may not agree, but understanding and accepting where other people are comming from will help build trust, and better conversation.....I don't know, you didn't say anything real offensive...but you know what i mean....

[dr huer]

Amen!

[chaosagent]

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