Solar panels-practical???

Nov 12, 2006 52 Replies

That is exactly the problem. Until someone figures out how to get the cost down, they make no economic sense. Here in the socialist state of NJ, they put a tax on every electric users bill to raise money to fund solar. So, last time I checked, you can get a medium sytem of about 6KW, which actually costs $50K, for about 20K, because the other poor saps are paying the rest. . . . .

-----------------------------------

I'm in the socialist state of NJ (actually SJ) and I'm one of those poor saps that pays the electric tax to help fund these systems for others. But, honestly, I don't mind doing it and I think it is a good idea. Of course, that funding system is like a pyramid scheme that initially works for those who get in early then has diminishing and then nonexistent returns. My thinking is that the more funding that can go into alternative energy sources now, the larger the pool of people using those systems will be, and eventually the overall cost of the systems will come down. And I do think that by funding these things now we will eventually become less dependent on non-renewable sources of energy such as oil, coal, and gas.

Lord Have Mercy, on folks in NJ. I like to tell them that DE was wise in putting a river between us ;) This is another example of today's "political science". People must remember that the government does not manufacture anything but paperwork.

Frank

And that's why we continue to get ripped off by the politicians in this state. Cause guys like you like to hand over money to the politicians and then have them decide when and if to give it back to you. This is a huge economic mistake and is a gross misallocation of resources. Instead of letting the free market work, politicians, who can't even run the parts of this state they supposed to run efficiently, now think they know more about energy than the free market. That $100mil is gone right out of the consumers pocket, right down a rathole. All they are doing is giiving a $20 or $30K subsidy to a small number of people that won;t even make a 1% difference in the states energy usage.

The new Mercedes E320 diesel gets 40MPG, and has lower CO2 emissions than a gas engine. How about we set up another NJ fund, take money from the citizens and give $30K to anyone who want to buy one of these so they can get if for less than half price. That a good idea too?

According to Bob F :

More than careful methinks. Going off-grid with solar electric means that they have to be _extremely_ miserly with electric power. Things like 12V lighting systems, propane powered fridges, etc.

You can't go off grid if you're into standard consumer appliances.

.........

But once a day you have to pick up all of the dead songbirds.

Quite a long time. I believe most of the major manufacturers of PVs have something around 25 year warrantees. If they warranty them for 25 years I'd expect real world life with modest care in an average environment to be 40 years or better.

Pete C.

More like once a year you'll have to pick up the dead songbird (singular).

Don't buy into the ignorant NIMBY propaganda.

Pete C.

You mean no problems other than solar is not even close to economically feasible? If it were that simple, you think utilities would still be using nukes, oil, gas and coal instead?

Where are you going to get: - 9.6hours per day * 365 days - 40% efficiency - 4,000 sq. KM. - The money to manufacture the above

What's it cost to make the cells? How much energy? What about the distribution system to where the consumers are?

Songbirds aren't as tough to clean up as the hawks. ;-)

The real problem is when the Ninth Federal District Court gets wind of this...

-- Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."

Solar heating makes sense in some areas, but mostly where there is plenty of sun and little need for heat. Seems to me, water power from both rivers and oceans would make sense as well as windmills. It will take more research to be more practical, but there is an unlimited supply of ocean waves.

They are not off-grid. They do have two meters, and net billing.

Bob

Not to mention that the manfacture of solar cells is considered to be one of the "filthiest" industrial processes around--on par w/ most chemical mfr'g plants.

Ah, come on! THere is no reason to pile on! THe idiot thinks he has all the answers, let him put his money where is mouth is!

Well, you got me there! The Ninth-Circus is far to the left of Nancy Pelosi. ...&deity. help us.

When they actually get 25 years of experience with the current technology I would believe that. I also doubt the warranty covers anything but total failure. Your problem is these things start losing efficiency over time so your 10kw array may only be giving you 3 or 4 kw after a while. The warranty doesn't do anything for a lightning strike, hail or a wind blown debris.

Not A problem! My neighbors cats will take care of any dead bird clean up. Now all I gotta do is sucker the good tax payers of Minnesota into paying for the thing and I can hear the cash register bells ringing now!

Good Luck! H.R. "A liberal is someone who feels A great debt to his fellow man,A debt which he proposes to pay off with your money" G. Gordon Liddy

1) Yes. For a while. But more importantly 2) I misspoke myself. I should have said: There are a lot of problems with solar power, but "there's not enough solar energy per square meter to meet the nation's needs" isn't one of them.

What a frightening thought: golf-ball sized hail over solar collectors!!!

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required