Solar Power

[HBalzer]

In Va we pay Virginia Power about 6 cents a kwh it appears the cost of solar is about 11 cents per kwh.

I thought about this after seeing Maryland is raising the rate for power by %35

Any thoughts?

 

[GeneValgene]

efficiencies in newer technology is increasing all the time...hopefully it will become cost effective soon

 

[dullard]

1) Solar power can only get more efficient.

2) Other sources of power will get more expensive in the long term.

Put the two together and it is inevitible that eventually solar power will reach a point that it is cost effective compared to what we have now for power. Of course by then, who knows if a whole new power source is available that is far cheaper than what we have now.

 

[K1052]

The current photovoltaics produced are too expensive and the technology itself still has to rely on location and weather. Solar will quite likely be a significant contributor to our energy production, however when that happens depends on when it can be made cost effective. We will still also require powerplants (coal, gas, nuclear, etc..) for a baseline capacity.

 

[Howard]

We can use solar "power" to directly heat our water. That's pretty cost-effective.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

not until the polysilicon shortage is over. do a google news search for polysilicon.