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One of the unmistakable aspects of the traditional v. green energy argument, no matter which jurisdiction you are talking about, is how time and advancement necessarily does funny things to the entire dialogue.
One of the unmistakable aspects of the traditional v. green energy argument, no matter which jurisdiction you are talking about, is how time and advancement necessarily does funny things to the entire dialogue.
Basically, it is not
that much of a stretch to compare what is going on with alternative energy
technology to what went on with the advent of the automobile over a century
ago. On one hand, you have the reality of the moment that there are significant
cost and availability gaps in the technology.
In other words, the ability to make it available to the everyday consumer at a cost comparable to the standard fossil fuel driven power sources, is always an issue. In a capitalist market-driven economy, the cost-effectiveness of the technology and how it can be made profitable is without question a driving consideration for whether it survives or disappears.
This issue of how solar
power, hydro electric power, wind power, or any other emerging green energy
technology competes in a market economy is a sword used against these
technologies by those opposing ballot measures, subsidies, tax breaks or any
other incentive for more green energy. There is little doubt that any progress
made on any front to make any of the leading green technologies available on a
mass consumer scale with a legitimate profit potential behind it will be front
page news and take the spotlight. It will also probably be the basis for it's
rise.
Earlier this year,
Carlos Medina from Ocala.com explored the costs of solar energy currently v.
the many attempts dating back to the 70s which have largely failed on a mass
consumption basis.
"Solar electric
back in the '70s and historically has not been cost effective," said Tim
Anderson, the director of the Florida Energy Systems Consortium (FESC) at the
University of Florida, told Mr. Medina. "There needed to be improvements
in manufacturing and in cell efficiency. Since 1980, every time the installed
capacity has doubled, prices decreased 22 percent. Right now, the cost of
(solar) electricity is competitive with the residential (electricity) prices we
pay."
So What Then Is The
Problem with Do it Yourself or DIY Solar Power?
Simply put, the up-front
cost of home solar technology must be affordable to the private property owner
and this is where the interesting next piece of the puzzle for more prevalent
green technology in our power sources kicks in.
Article continues at ENN
affiliate, Clean Techies