Wrong. It's actually affordable at today's prices. There are affordable housing units using solar power to *reduce* costs. The economic hurdle is in the initial investment, which is why govt incentives are needed to drive change. It is capital intensive (and risky if you think energry prices will fall.) Operational costs are quite low...you don't have to buy any fuel...just replace dying gear. If anything, the poor could benefit most.Originally Posted by Crazed Rabbit
You can get shingles now that are solar panels. The initial installation cost is high. The truth is, we could do a lot to reduce our CO2 emissions by making these sort of things affordable. When you cut electrical load, you back out natural gas and steam (but not oil for the most part.) Coal is hell on CO2 emissions.
The oil companies were projecting about $27 to 28/bbl this time a few years ago--I know because I was looking at their numbers, shaking my head. I didn't believe them then, and I'm sure as heck not stupid enough to believe them now.C) My dad's in the oil business.
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