Comments on: The Real Solution To The Energy Problem: Rationing http://www.stationstops.com/2008/06/26/the-real-solution-to-the-energy-problem-rationing/ Metro-North Train Schedules and NYC Commuting Blog Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:39:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Chris (Admin) http://www.stationstops.com/2008/06/26/the-real-solution-to-the-energy-problem-rationing/comment-page-1/#comment-1274 Chris (Admin) Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:22:44 +0000 http://www.stationstops.com/?p=494#comment-1274 Great to have an expert on board! I can see your point about the low price of oil making it harder for other technologies to compete, but I would call that an unfortunate side effect of the government just trying to make fuel affordable, which although bad for our environment, is critical to our economy. My point is that the reason solar panels arent 80% efficient and low cost is not a conspiracy or for lack of investment or trying. When I read a lot of forum posts on other sites about this, its clear a lot of people think that solar is a drop-in replacement for our energy needs if it weren't for govt and oil conspiracy. I don't believe either is true. Oil as a competitor to solar keeps solar down for no other reason except it is far more convenient, cheap, and 99.999% of legacy power systems run on it. But, of course, its limited, dirty, and getting more expensive by the day and we have to move past it. Great to have an expert on board!

I can see your point about the low price of oil making it harder for other technologies to compete, but I would call that an unfortunate side effect of the government just trying to make fuel affordable, which although bad for our environment, is critical to our economy.

My point is that the reason solar panels arent 80% efficient and low cost is not a conspiracy or for lack of investment or trying.

When I read a lot of forum posts on other sites about this, its clear a lot of people think that solar is a drop-in replacement for our energy needs if it weren’t for govt and oil conspiracy.

I don’t believe either is true. Oil as a competitor to solar keeps solar down for no other reason except it is far more convenient, cheap, and 99.999% of legacy power systems run on it.

But, of course, its limited, dirty, and getting more expensive by the day and we have to move past it.

]]> By: Pat Byrne http://www.stationstops.com/2008/06/26/the-real-solution-to-the-energy-problem-rationing/comment-page-1/#comment-1268 Pat Byrne Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:29:48 +0000 http://www.stationstops.com/?p=494#comment-1268 I agree wholeheartedly with your conclusion about the need to ration our electricity. However, I think you are wrong about the alternatives. For one thing, it is incredible the lack of research until just recently into solar energy. For example the current US government budget allocation is just $27million - just about enough to administer the programme. Compare that to the $280 million they are giving for fossil fuel research. Look at the lack of research into solar concentrators - just a few small companies. Another example - organic PV was being carried out by a handful of university organisations. Fortunately, this is at last in the process of changing and we will see some dramatic results in the next 2-3 years. So, don't despair - you will see cheap solar and storage in your lifetime! I agree wholeheartedly with your conclusion about the need to ration our electricity. However, I think you are wrong about the alternatives. For one thing, it is incredible the lack of research until just recently into solar energy. For example the current US government budget allocation is just $27million – just about enough to administer the programme. Compare that to the $280 million they are giving for fossil fuel research. Look at the lack of research into solar concentrators – just a few small companies. Another example – organic PV was being carried out by a handful of university organisations. Fortunately, this is at last in the process of changing and we will see some dramatic results in the next 2-3 years. So, don’t despair – you will see cheap solar and storage in your lifetime!

]]> By: Deep Patel http://www.stationstops.com/2008/06/26/the-real-solution-to-the-energy-problem-rationing/comment-page-1/#comment-1262 Deep Patel Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:06:42 +0000 http://www.stationstops.com/?p=494#comment-1262 I wanted to comment on your post since I am experienced renewable energy professional. There are a couple issues I have with this post: 1. Yes, the blame is on the govt. and big oil.....through our tax dollars the federal govt. is playing favorites...they have subsidized big oil too much that other technologies can not compete fairly. 2. Solar panels have been getting more efficent and cheaper every year, the technology has been evolving over time. Producing clean energy is not the solution to our porblems and I do agree with you that energy efficency is the key to success. We need to change the way of our thinking when it comes to how we use energy. That is why I preach the , "reduce then produce" startegy which helps people realize that they are energy hogs and take action on that front first. I wanted to comment on your post since I am experienced renewable energy professional. There are a couple issues I have with this post:

1. Yes, the blame is on the govt. and big oil…..through our tax dollars the federal govt. is playing favorites…they have subsidized big oil too much that other technologies can not compete fairly.

2. Solar panels have been getting more efficent and cheaper every year, the technology has been evolving over time.

Producing clean energy is not the solution to our porblems and I do agree with you that energy efficency is the key to success. We need to change the way of our thinking when it comes to how we use energy. That is why I preach the , “reduce then produce” startegy which helps people realize that they are energy hogs and take action on that front first.

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