Report a Comment

I've been hearing that for 20 years now.

The economics of solar power have improved enormously over the past 20 years, and will almost certainly continue to improve in the future. I'm having trouble following your position. A couple of days ago you seemed to be an enthusiastic proponent of solar power, and now you seem to be very skeptical that it has good long-term potential. Which is it?

It is a fallacy that only the sunbelt has enough sun.

I didn't say "only the sunbelt has enough sun" (whatever "enough sun" is supposed to mean). Solar power is more competitive in the sunbelt because the sunbelt has lots of sun. The power output of photovoltaic cells is strongly dependent on light intensity.

Why do you need low-density housing?

You don't "need" low-density housing. Low-density housing is much more conducive to solar power because it has a higher ratio of exposed roof area to building size and occupancy.

Like what? Honestly, it's not very hard.

The cost of solar cells and mounting infrastructure, the cost of electrical conversion equipment, the cost of electrical distribution equipment, the intermittent nature of the energy source... If it wasn't hard, it would be much more common. Even now, when solar cells are cheaper than they have ever been, a typical residential installation takes many years to recover its capital costs even with massive government subsidies.

by Bertie on Jun 1, 2012 5:41 pm • link • report

Does this comment violate Greater Greater Washington's comment policy? If so, you can report it using this form and an editor will take a look.

What is the major reason you believe the comment violates the policy?
Comment is spam.
Comment attacks other individuals personally.
Comment criticizes the level of knowledge of another commenter or contributor.
Comment discourages others from posting their ideas.
Commenter is impersonating someone else.
Comment uses profanity or abusive language.
Comment advocates violent acts or harm to another.
Comment was posted in multiple areas of the site.
Comment is arguing about the comment policy.
Other:

Your name:
Your email:

Administrator page • spam