German solar power plant sets record. Equal to 22 nuclear power plants.

[SRD]

Its a prottype. And read my above posts of course cost is important. Tech takes a while to mature doesnt mean you should ignore it. Remember how much pcs and other things used to cost. Not to mention mew manufacturing techniques will reduce costs to produce solar panels by 50 percent.

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[Troy64]

I think when intelligent, informed and knowledgeable people look at solar energy, they see a technology that is not yet economically viable.

It may be attractive in very specific applications, but is far, far costlier than other currently available power generation options.

Who knows what the solar future may hold? However, a wise and prudent plan would slowly integrate renewables into the existing power grid.

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[SRD]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0919082933.htm

http://m.popsci.com/science/article/...s-size-glitter
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[SRD]

Originally Posted by Troy64

I think when intelligent, informed and knowledgeable people look at solar energy, they see a technology that is not yet economically viable yet.

It may be attractive in very specific applications, but is far, far costlier than other currently available power generation options.

Who knows what the solar future may hold? However, a wise and prudent plan would slowly integrate renewables into the existing power grid.

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This is what ive been trying to say. You made yourself seem very anti alternative power at the start.

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[dawgchamp]

Originally Posted by Troy64

I think when intelligent, informed and knowledgeable people look at solar energy, they see a technology that is not yet economically viable yet.

It may be attractive in very specific applications, but is far, far costlier than other currently available power generation options.

Who knows what the solar future may hold? However, a wise and prudent plan would slowly integrate renewables into the existing power grid.

This. The keyword being "slowly".

Look what impetuousness has done to the taxpayers via the Chevy Volt.

[Troy64]

Originally Posted by dawgchamp

This. The keyword being "slowly".

Look what impetuousness has done to the taxpayers via the Chevy Volt.

Agree completely. When I said slow, I meant really slow.

It would be great if the US could create and stick to a 50 year energy plan, based on solid economic and technological facts.

In reality, it is a dream that will never materialize.

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[jmichna]

Originally Posted by SRD

I do know that the newest panels which havent been released yet they are in protype stage have reached 33.9 percent conversation efficiency. Which is double the efficiency of current farms. So it is becoming a viable tech. Im not sure why some people are so opposed to alternate energy when price is taken into consideration. Some guys here sound like rnc spokesmen.

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I don't think anyone here is trying to be a Luddite... just pointing out that solar energy is not a panacea, and that there are (always) trade-offs... initial cost, efficiency, dependability (incl. weather-related), maintenance costs, useful lifespan, environmental impact - both in manufacture and deployment/use, and ultimately disposal. We just need to keep these in mind.

All the energy we use today (except arguably geothermal)... including coal, petroleum, natural gas... ultimately originated as "solar energy."

[FivePlusOne]

My only question is, at what cost? It takes a lot of energy to produce a solar panel in the first place. What does it cost to produce so much power at once and how long does it take to pay for itself. Include the added cost of storing power for night time and cloudy days which this article didn't address either.

[Cannibul]

We've been told for at least the past 40 years that the "breakthrough" that would make solar energy viable is "right around the corner".

That's ONE wide corner.

[Pit Boss 71]

By 2020, the US will out produce Saudi Arabia in oil, we have an almost unlimted coal supply, natural gas supplies are going through the roof because of fracking, and we are spending billions on "green energy" that will never, ever supply our energy needs and will be a blight on our landscape. Government needs to get out of the business of picking winners and losers and let the best, cheapest source of energy prevail, especially when the country is on the verge of another recession. Oh yeah, global warming is just a hoax perpetrated on the public by a failed presidential candidate to redistribute wealth.