--- [log in to unmask] wrote:
> Cost, cost, cost, cost. jk, You know Aldo Leopold once wrote
> a concept of wise use. I laugh at your comments not from an industrial
> prospective, because R&D is important and expensive. But when I think
> of all the money the has been spent on wars, and the R&D of biochemical
> weapons and such. I can't help but cringe at the money spent on that
> kind of
> R&D.
Well let me disagree...just kidding. I had to make some sort of joke to
preserve my eeeeevil reputation.
> And I never understood why a solar energy system could never be
> devoloped, one which was sometimes dependent on fuel-- but most of the
> time
> on solar. Now yes solar cells are a little more costly, but would they
Well there is that nasty problem of night you know. <g> The problem is
that from what I understand solar power technology is not sufficiently
efficient enough. Your typical household will pull in (in CA) around 500
or so kWh and I think the peak demand is 3 kW. I don't think having solar
panels on the roof would be anywhere near sufficient (although it might
help reduce your demand). Also it is expensive to install, and not cheap
to maintain.
For example, the building I work in has a fountain powered by solar
energy. During a cloudless summer day you get a pretty good fountain. By
about 6 or 7 PM it is hardly going at all, and once the sun has set all
you have is a calm pool.
Also, solar power is not cheap (at least the stuff that is sold in CA). I
think the typical price is around $.10 per kWh. Considering that I think
the average cost of a kWh in San Diego is now $.13 it isn't that cheap
(and the San Diego prices are very very very high...so I guess solar is
very very high <g>).
Hopefully as time goes by solar power will become cheaper and more
efficient and someday there may indeed be solar panels on most houses.
> not
> pay for themselves over time? Now don't get kitch at me for saying this
> is,
> but I
> think part of the problem as to why energy corporations don't invest in
> solar
> is because then people would no longer need electric companies because
> solar energy was designed for the single home to have independent energy
> use. Sorry but in some aspect that maybe true.
True, by installing solar panels you would reduce your dependence on your
local utility. However, you can't look at just the installation costs,
but the maintence costs as well. Right now, given the current technology
I am not sure solar is viable. Now, if you like the idea of being more
environmentally friendly in your energy use then you might be willing to
pay that additional cost.
Oh and so people don't think I am getting soft.
Lisa, you mother wears combat boots!
Steve
=====
"In a nutshell, he [Steve] is 100% unadulterated evil. I do not believe in a 'Satan', but this man is as close to 'the real McCoy' as they come."
--Jamey Lee West
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