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Solar Energy Is Ready. The U.S. Isn't

Business Week -- Clean energy has become a dirty word in presidential politics. In their second debate, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama each tried to outdo the other’s love of fossil fuels: Obama extolling his record on oil and natural gas production, Romney vowing to take “advantage of the oil and coal we have here.” The Republican candidate has ridiculed the administration’s $535 million loan guarantee to Solyndra, the bankrupt California-based solar panel maker, and accused Obama of living “in an imaginary world where government-subsidized windmills and solar panels could power the economy.”

The candidates’ coolness to renewable energy comes at a time when the domestic supply of traditional energy sources, such as oil and natural gas, is at an all-time high. And yet this failure to make the promise of ren

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Submitted Oct 26, 2012 By: skb69sa

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E-Squirrel Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,015 Points:820,970 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Oct 29, 2012 4:37:09 PM Ignore E-Squirrel Report Abuse honda0105 asks: "Unless you meant that sarcastically?" "Subsidies to the OIL Companies", are basically a myth, promulgated to justify actual subsidies to other companies. So, no, I wasn't intending to be sarcastic. I live in Orange County, which is located in Southern California, just south of the Los Angeles area. California has many companies in the energy business, including in petroleum and other "alternative" energy businesses. [Edited by: E-Squirrel at 10/29/2012 7:39:12 PM EST]
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,632 Points:1,610,495 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Oct 29, 2012 3:13:37 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse E-Squirrel: not sure where you live. 6 BILLION dollars in subsidies and tax breaks given to Pig Oil isn't exactly what I'd call "no and we haven't." Unless you meant that sarcastically?
rjhenn Champion Author Des Moines Posts:22,447 Points:2,230,860 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 9:59:58 PM Ignore rjhenn Report Abuse alex395 - "Ready? How soon we forget-Solyndra." A perfect example of how the Chinese were better at it than we were.
E-Squirrel Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,015 Points:820,970 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 4:10:23 PM Ignore E-Squirrel Report Abuse SparkieMi asks: "Are we still subsidizing the oil companies ????" No, and we haven't.
alex395 Champion Author Louisville Posts:2,050 Points:276,710 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 6:32:50 AM Ignore alex395 Report Abuse Ready? How soon we forget-Solyndra.
DrCashFlow Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:7,074 Points:1,628,200 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 5:23:27 AM Ignore DrCashFlow Report Abuse it's all about early adopters willing to pay the price for the concept but lousy roi so the less wealthy can make more reasonable solar investments
rjhenn Champion Author Des Moines Posts:22,447 Points:2,230,860 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 12:28:23 AM Ignore rjhenn Report Abuse Links are your friend. See #4. [Edited by: rjhenn at 10/28/2012 3:28:48 AM EST]
bston Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,825 Points:643,250 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 10:01:53 PM Ignore bston Report Abuse May take several decades to make a more smooth transition.
Wolfman_TJack Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,514 Points:461,265 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 1:27:31 AM Ignore Wolfman_TJack Report Abuse "The United States alone has about 69 billion square feet of appropriate residential rooftops that could be generating electricity from the sun," Stevens said. "The sunlight falling on those roofs could generate at least 50 percent of the nation's electricity, and some estimates put that number closer to 100 percent. With earth-abundant technology, that energy could be harvested, at an enormous benefit to consumers and the environment."
Wolfman_TJack Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,514 Points:461,265 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 1:26:19 AM Ignore Wolfman_TJack Report Abuse Atwater, a physicist at the California Institute of Technology, and Stevens, a chemist with The Dow Chemical Company, lead a partnership between their institutions to develop new electronic materials suitable for use in solar-energy-conversion devices. Atwater and Stevens described development and testing of new devices made with zinc phosphide and copper oxide that broke records for both electrical current and voltage achieved by existing so-called thin-film solar energy conversion devices made with zinc and copper. The advance adds to evidence that materials like zinc phosphide and copper oxide should be capable of achieving very high efficiencies, producing electricity at a cost approaching that of coal-fired power plants. That milestone could come within 20 years, Atwater said. Stevens helped develop Dow's PowerHouse Solar Shingle, introduced in October 2011, which generates electricity and nevertheless can be installed like traditional roofing. The shingles use copper indium gallium diselenide photovoltaic technology. His team now is eyeing incorporation of sustainable earth-abundant materials into PowerHouse shingles, making them more widely available. [Edited by: Wolfman_TJack at 10/27/2012 4:27:01 AM EST]
Wolfman_TJack Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,514 Points:461,265 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 1:25:50 AM Ignore Wolfman_TJack Report Abuse New Solar Panels Made With More Common Metals Could Be Cheaper and More Sustainable. With enough sunlight falling on home roofs to supply at least half of America's electricity, scientists today described advances toward the less-expensive solar energy technology needed to roof many of those homes with shingles that generate electricity. Shingles that generate electricity from the sun, and can be installed like traditional roofing, already are a commercial reality. But the advance ? a new world performance record for solar cells made with "earth-abundant" materials ? could make them more affordable and ease the integration of photovoltaics into other parts of buildings, the scientists said. The new photovoltaic technology uses abundant, less-expensive materials like copper and zinc ? "earth-abundant materials" ? instead of indium, gallium and other so-called "rare earth" elements. These substances not only are scarce, but are supplied largely by foreign countries, with China mining more than 90 percent of the rare earths needed for batteries in hybrid cars, magnets, electronics and other high-tech products. Atwater and James C. Stevens, Ph.D., described successful efforts to replace rare earth and other costly metals in photovoltaic devices with materials that are less-expensive and more sustainable.
Wolfman_TJack Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,514 Points:461,265 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 1:23:44 AM Ignore Wolfman_TJack Report Abuse Minneapolis Solar Panels - Largest US Solar Manufacturer. For over 35 years, SolarWorld has been helping homeowners and businesses put the sun to work. -------------------- Solar Panel Market to Advance by 15.3% through 2015. A recent report released from publisher Infiniti Research points to further growth for the global solar panel industry. The report finds advances in photovoltaic (PV) technologies will help the global solar panels market to increase by a compound annual growth rate of 15.3% between 2011 to 2015
rjhenn Champion Author Des Moines Posts:22,447 Points:2,230,860 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 12:40:50 AM Ignore rjhenn Report Abuse SandeeC - "I'm not sure that solar energy is ready - if it were, why are all the companies going belly up?" Because the Chinese were better at it than we were.
LainyBoggs Rookie Author Washington Posts:18 Points:2,230 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 11:07:11 PM Ignore LainyBoggs Report Abuse I wish I could afford this kind of electricity, this would be great, we have a county pressing this kind of way but I wish i could for reals!
alterman156 Champion Author New York Posts:7,490 Points:1,558,500 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 9:48:35 PM Ignore alterman156 Report Abuse The U.S. should get solar ready.
MotoDad Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,106 Points:812,015 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 9:05:37 PM Ignore MotoDad Report Abuse needs to be more cost effective.
kma3141 Rookie Author Albuquerque Posts:4 Points:279,755 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 9:03:49 PM Ignore kma3141 Report Abuse Solar has been around here and feasible for 20 years. Not sure what you guys have against it.
rahcat Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,473 Points:663,925 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 9:03:12 PM Ignore rahcat Report Abuse Old News
SandeeC Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,993 Points:460,705 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:59:58 PM Ignore SandeeC Report Abuse I'm not sure that solar energy is ready - if it were, why are all the companies going belly up?
andy1024 Champion Author Allentown Posts:1,702 Points:448,150 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:59:17 PM Ignore andy1024 Report Abuse Get ready then!
DustyHorse Champion Author Virginia Posts:6,090 Points:1,392,330 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:58:20 PM Ignore DustyHorse Report Abuse Solar is not ready for most applications.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,857 Points:1,613,225 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:56:49 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse “Solar energy may NEVER be cost-effective.” “Solar panels still expensive.” “Solar is expensive and that is why the us [sic] isn't ready. . .” “Too expensive right now to be feasible.” Four consecutive comments and all out of touch with current conditions. Solar is now economically feasible in most areas and a real deal in the sunny regions.
MAC48 Champion Author Dallas Posts:1,549 Points:767,005 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:56:35 PM Ignore MAC48 Report Abuse The solar power enthusiast in the media and environmental groups just cannot come to grips with the fact that solar electricity generation is just not ready for prime time in terms of user costs, esthetics or year around all day availability and will not be within the foreseeable future. The basic truth is that if it were not for governmental use mandates from state and city governments and the generous taxpayer funded Federal, state, county and city tax, grant or loan subsidies, there would be practically no solar industry in the US or anywhere else in the world. If solar based electricity generation is economically viable for consumer and industrial scale electricity production with today’s technology, then solar based electricity generation will make it in the market without any taxpayer funded assistance, a.k.a. subsidies or government use mandates. If solar based electricity generation is not economically viable on its own unassisted economic merits with today’s technology, then we need to rescind the use mandates, cease subsidizing production phase solar companies and sustain the current level or perhaps even increase the current level of R&D into making solar electricity practical, economically justified and ascetically acceptable.
SparkieMi Champion Author Kalamazoo Posts:3,266 Points:589,360 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:54:28 PM Ignore SparkieMi Report Abuse Many good posts.... Are we still subsidizing the oil companies ????
LCSTEELERBOB Champion Author Gary Posts:2,961 Points:720,130 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:50:57 PM Ignore LCSTEELERBOB Report Abuse it needs to be made affordable
dollarwatcher Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:7,945 Points:1,535,970 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:49:49 PM Ignore dollarwatcher Report Abuse I'll be so glad that in 10 days all this crap will be over with.
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:8,071 Points:1,732,210 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:49:44 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse I suppose that's why SOLYNDRA didn't make it had nothing to do with cost and affordabilityJUST TAX the rich to buy everybody's panels
FlyNFool Champion Author South Carolina Posts:8,244 Points:1,685,950 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:49:04 PM Ignore FlyNFool Report Abuse When it's made here, not China! I mean the technology.
BREW9 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:886 Points:2,912,955 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:46:41 PM Ignore BREW9 Report Abuse pricey
Gas4Gore Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,421 Points:423,875 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:45:08 PM Ignore Gas4Gore Report Abuse Obama does not support fossil fuels.
cssco Champion Author Virginia Posts:7,331 Points:1,752,505 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:42:40 PM Ignore cssco Report Abuse It this were feasible it would already have been accomplished by hundreds if not thousands of just plain joes like the guy in the story with a second home in Hawaii
Dragnet Champion Author Arizona Posts:15,411 Points:2,909,735 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:42:37 PM Ignore Dragnet Report Abuse OLD NEWS
Shakleelady31 All-Star Author Fort Wayne Posts:571 Points:402,350 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:41:13 PM Ignore Shakleelady31 Report Abuse How can we trust that solar energy is ready?
hptd All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:888 Points:498,995 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:39:51 PM Ignore hptd Report Abuse solar is not ready until it can compete without subsidies.
crashintuc34 Champion Author Tucson Posts:4,057 Points:812,565 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:39:12 PM Ignore crashintuc34 Report Abuse Too expensive right now to be feasible.
GLCSHADOW Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,616 Points:1,887,260 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:38:40 PM Ignore GLCSHADOW Report Abuse Solar is expensive and that is why the us isn't ready who can afford it.
Gazstation Champion Author Montreal Posts:4,108 Points:829,810 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:38:37 PM Ignore Gazstation Report Abuse Solar panels still expensive.
bonzoonfmb Champion Author Florida Posts:1,787 Points:645,560 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:38:27 PM Ignore bonzoonfmb Report Abuse Solar energy may NEVER be cost-effective.
walkingtall Champion Author Toronto Posts:3,999 Points:1,121,680 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:37:59 PM Ignore walkingtall Report Abuse We can survive without greedy subsides from taxpayers.
g747 Champion Author Mobile Posts:4,541 Points:933,670 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:37:50 PM Ignore g747 Report Abuse Well the president is trying to make us ready.Sometimes things don't go well as planned;but once all the bugs are worked out;look for a better & cleaner enviroment.
waynemustang Champion Author Indiana Posts:6,381 Points:1,665,990 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:33:43 PM Ignore waynemustang Report Abuse Solar energy is NOT ready. It can not survive without greedy subsidies from taxpayers.
granitestater Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:8,829 Points:1,431,725 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:32:35 PM Ignore granitestater Report Abuse Solar isn't all its cracked up to be...
AuburnTim Champion Author Indiana Posts:6,828 Points:1,559,190 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:30:13 PM Ignore AuburnTim Report Abuse The true fact is that the majority of us can't afford it. Until it becomes more affordable or fossil fuels cost more than solar not many will even consider it.
vinroc31 Rookie Author Denver Posts:82 Points:145,020 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:26:51 PM Ignore vinroc31 Report Abuse Correct
f4driver Champion Author Maine Posts:2,520 Points:684,320 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:25:51 PM Ignore f4driver Report Abuse Give it a rest.
wayoung56 Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,805 Points:819,310 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:20:49 PM Ignore wayoung56 Report Abuse Once they make it more affordable and efficient/reliable, then it might be an option worth considering, not now though...
serrog Champion Author Nova Scotia Posts:5,569 Points:1,513,105 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:18:43 PM Ignore serrog Report Abuse ok
rampower80 Champion Author Kentucky Posts:2,049 Points:462,890 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:18:03 PM Ignore rampower80 Report Abuse It isn't easy and it has a huge upfront cost. Major barriers for consumers. Not so ready! The problem is that solar firms have always approached this as a technical issue and have never tried consumer engagement on what they want.
suzmar Champion Author Texas Posts:2,212 Points:873,340 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:15:22 PM Ignore suzmar Report Abuse Obviously solar energy is not ready or so many companies would not be going bankrupt.
craigsfrank Champion Author Arkansas Posts:2,203 Points:840,655 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 8:12:08 PM Ignore craigsfrank Report Abuse Obama lost so muych money on "Green ideas" I just want to support USA and Canada..... not OPEC!