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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices
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To: Tenchusatsu who wrote (183513)2/24/2004 2:07:11 PM
From: Road Walker  Read Replies (3) of 1574004
 
Ten,

This whole discussion started with a common (non-partisan) US goal of energy independence. I said that solar was on the cusp of being economically a plus on a cost/benefit basis. (And also that the use of hybrid/electric cars could drastically reduce consumption). But the real benefit we were discussing was energy independence.

OK, say it takes everybody 17.5 years to "pay for" their systems with direct savings. What kind of benefit does a decrease of 80% in residential and, say,a 50% decrease in commercial electricity cost do for this country? What about the decrease in pollution and subsequent health costs? What if, as was reported earlier, Saudi Arabia can't increase their oil output, and oil goes to $60 a barrel over the next 17.5 years (or $100 a barrel)? What if there is true tunrmoil in the ME, and the oil supply to the rest of the world decreases by 60%?

And, of course, Ted's comment about mass production lowering cost is viable. And some would argue (not you, I know) that if it wern't for our energy dependence, we wouldn't have fought the war in Iraq. That $100B and growing could have bought a few solar systems.

If you think solar and hybrid/electric cars are a bad idea... fine. Propose your alternative, and let a half dozen folks shoot at you.

It's hell trying to be positive with solutions on this thread ("For God's sake you have to CLEAN the solar panels!!!"). As long as you stay negative it's much harder for these folks to take their cheap shots.

John
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