[CedarDave]

I won't try to defend or challenge his numbers; others can do so if so inclined. The point of the article is that solar energy is not "free" nor competitive with conventional power. The downside of both solar and wind is that the sun doesn't shine all the time nor the wind blow. Infrastructure to get electricity from solar/wind farms has to be built and the local nimby's come out to oppose either the generation or transmission facilities. Now solar may make sense for very rural areas "off the grid" but not for large urban areas.

Solar power, like wind energy and ethanol production, is a hoax that will not resolve our long term energy needs. It could be hoped that reality would take hold but, like the global warming hoax, the masses are being educated to believe that use of fossil fuels will be our demise when in fact it will be reliance on the sun and windmills tilting in the breeze that will do us in.

[CedarDave]

PING to the NM list!

(FReepmail greyfoxx39 to be added or removed from the list)

[GeronL]

then again we know its more expensive and less reliable, thats why its ‘alternative’

[org.whodat]

This does not reduce the actual cost; it just transfers it to the general taxpayer or ratepayer.

That is why they call it a public utility, as is all electric power. Some people just cannot understand that all electrical power has been subsidized.

[gorush]

I think that those of us that are investing in wind and solar are preparing for a breakdown of the grid. We’re either right or wrong...we’ll see.

[Recon Dad]

CD, I spent 2 years going to school in Santa Fe and would love to be added to your New Mexico ping list.

Regards,

Recon Dad

[Sursum Corda]

Life isn't free. What we must look at is whether a course of action is positive, first morally. If an action clears that first big hurdle, then I will examine its financial impact. I am a child of God first, then I will tackle von Mises, Acton et al.

I bought my current house ~20 years ago. It came with solar collectors to heat the home and provide low cost hot water.
The solar heating assist lowers my heating bill by ~ 1/3. (I know this because the blower motor for the heating side went out ~ 7 years ago, and our bills spiked drastically, before I replaced the motor.)
Solar power is our friend. Do not let your contempt of the left blind you to the benefits of solar heating and power gathering.
God bless.
Sursum Corda

[Mike Darancette]

The solar powered toilets in Oregon are ruined because the heavy snowfall covered the solar cells so long the batteries discharges and were destroyed.