Silicon PV costs about to plummet:

Link (http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54380)

With cheap, clean and abundant energy, the US economy will be rebuilt upon a more robust foundation that will never waiver. I look forward to all the marvels we will create, given cheap, clean and abundant energy.

That article suggests a 12% drop in module production costs for Si-PV. It also projects unsubsidized PV generation costs in sunny climates of $0.13/kWh with thin-film in 2010. After what's gone on recently I don't get too excited about projections of any kind. And that does not include storage costs! You're that encouraged by those prospects? There aren't too many people who are going to get excited about paying much more for electricity, which is what those numbers mean.

That article suggests a 12% drop in module production costs for Si-PV. It also projects unsubsidized PV generation costs in sunny climates of $0.13/kWh with thin-film in 2010. After what's gone on recently I don't get too excited about projections of any kind. And that does not include storage costs! You're that encouraged by those prospects? There aren't too many people who are going to get excited about paying much more for electricity, which is what those numbers mean.




It's almost sad to see your world crumbling around you. Your same old arguments don't even hold water anymore. You just don't understand (don't want to admit it) that we can add substantial renewables to the grid before we need extra electrical storage. You fail to take into account all of the batteries that are going to be in the EVs and PHEVs that can be used to help balance out the intermittency. You fail to take into account the hidden costs of using non-renewables despite what we experienced this summer, etc.

I hate to break it to you pdt but solar is coming. It might stumble along with everything else in this collapsing global economy but it's coming. Too many people have seen the light it provides. Unfortunately, you will remain in the dark even as your life is being transformed by it. I know it hurts to be wrong. It hurts to face reality but open your eyes and warm your face with the sun’s glory. ;)

That article suggests a 12% drop in module production costs for Si-PV. It also projects unsubsidized PV generation costs in sunny climates of $0.13/kWh with thin-film in 2010. After what's gone on recently I don't get too excited about projections of any kind. And that does not include storage costs! You're that encouraged by those prospects? There aren't too many people who are going to get excited about paying much more for electricity, which is what those numbers mean.

I am excited that thin film has pushed the silicon PV market to reduce its costs - this is beneficial to everyone, and will accelerate adoption of all these renewable energy technologies. As PV costs become competitive with conventional power plant costs, solar will displace non-renewable resources and stablize our economy indefinitely.

I am excited that thin film has pushed the silicon PV market to reduce its costs - this is beneficial to everyone, and will accelerate adoption of all these renewable energy technologies. As PV costs become competitive with conventional power plant costs, solar will displace non-renewable resources and stablize our economy indefinitely.

But the costs in the article don't even come remotely close to conventional power sources and those costs are for sunny climates. If you put those panels in NY state, the costs will go up 3X. I just don't see how the news you posted changes any of that.

I don't understand why you and Texas refuse to face the facts about the costs and complexities of renewable energy.

But the costs in the article don't even come remotely close to conventional power sources and those costs are for sunny climates. If you put those panels in NY state, the costs will go up 3X. I just don't see how the news you posted changes any of that.

I don't understand why you and Texas refuse to face the facts about the costs and complexities of renewable energy.




We do understand and don't think it's going to be easy. However, those that continue the error of comparing the PRICES of conventional power (non-renewables) to future power (renewables) will only delay the inevitable. If you compare the costs including the hidden costs then the transition is a no brainer. Unfortunately, many decision makers don't agree on the level of hidden costs or simply refuse to hear them because it doesn't effect their balance sheets directly.

Again, I don't think it matters because enough people got smart enough and realize the importance of moving away from unsustainable energy resources before they bite us in the butt.

As I have written before the real priority is to transition us away from using fossil fuels to power our transportation infrastructure. We have the least amount of control over the world’s petroleum supply. Our domestic electricity generation, while dirty and unsustainable, is very stable and in our control. We have the fossil fuel reserves to buy us time during the transition. That’s the difference.

So, pdt, what do you think the U.S. should do or how do you think it will all go down? Just burn coal and put in nukes? Switch to higher mileage cars and trucks? Don’t do anything and let the capital markets take care of us? Start a massive national project? What?

Transportation and electricity supply are two separate problems. The former has become a national security issue, and the solution is fuel choice; electricity, alternative fuels...etc. The latter is not a national security issue and does not need a national solution.

Transportation and electricity supply are two separate problems. The former has become a national security issue, and the solution is fuel choice; electricity, alternative fuels...etc. The latter is not a national security issue and does not need a national solution.

Many believe the risk of climate change associated with our global experiment on the atmosphere makes the electricity supply a global issue. If you don't believe there is any risk of climate change, then your statement is logical.

I agree that solutions will vary greatly by region, but I think the strategy should be set on a national/global scale.

Still, I think the numbers thrown around about solar are very misleading when taken out of context as they often are.

"If you don't believe there is any risk of climate change, then your statement is logical."

No, there isn't a risk. It is certain the climate will change. I would prefer not to take undue credit.

Yes, we should all try to be as clear as possible when stating numbers. I'm lucky because there are so many friendly posters here ready to kick me in the nuts if I make a mistake. ;) I will be hammered for even the slightest transgression. It keeps me on my toes! :)