[ale] Intelligent Power (was global warming) [OT]

[JK]

Jim Lynch wrote:

> That's not what I've read.  Today's voltaic solar panels are running 
> about $3 - $4.50 per watt.  To compete with more conventional power 
> generation methods that number has to come down to $1 per watt.  That's 
> about what it costs for a fossil fueled plant.  There are people that 
> say some recent developments may get us there.  Besides when oil hits 
> $400 a barrel, the conventional power generation methods will cost more 
> than $1 per watt.  There are other solar power methods that show great 
> promise and are actually being implemented.  Unfortunately due to 
> economy of scale, they aren't economical for a single family dwelling to 
> install.

Another (anectodal) data point: here in West TX, we get sunshine
approximately 364.9999 days a year, and there are quite a few
homes with solar arrays on the roof.  A grid-inter-tied 2KW array
backed by a battery bank runs about $12K, which is a lot.  However,
it has a very positive impact on home value, because the utility is
required to purchase your excess power, and you often end up with a
$0 or negative electricity bill.  Grid power costs about $.09/KWh
here, which seems kind of steep to me; my electricity bills run into
the $150..$200 range in summer.  If I were planning to keep my house,
I'd seriously consider making the investment in solar.

Of course, in a less-sunny location, the economics would be
quite different.

-- JK

-- 
"What can be asserted without evidence can also be
dismissed without evidence." -- Christopher Hitchens