What Gore Didn't Say About Solar Cells

Years ago my company (an electric utility) built a solar array. After a few years the cost of replacing failed solar panels exceeded the revenue generated by the electricity produced. I look forward to the day photovoltaic generation is viable, but as far as I know, it is not economically viable at current electricity prices. But, I could be wrong. If I am, I would love to hear about it.

Bill Morrow

nice point.

pipwelder

Now, just why are we comparing two total morons with an intelligent being?

Al Gore is the "Guru" lord of the global warming faithful. He flies fast and loose with the facts and his leer jet pollution machine. His mansion consumes 20 times the normal energy of a normal home. He is hypocrite and heretic.

Without more viable forms of energy storage sustainables will continue to be discouraging. The promise of ultracapacitors and super batteries have all proven lame, super corrosive and maintenance intensive. People are far too optimistic of the promise of alternative energy.

Hey, give the man a break. How many people do you know of who can turn a serious issue like global-warming into a laugh-out-loud, laugh-a-minute stand-up comedy routine like "An Inconvenient Truth"?

No, not silly just underfunded. The solar cell research, not Mr. Gore. He is well funded. I find it ironic (and hypocritical) his home uses between twelve and twenty times the energy of an average home. (Depending on the reporter) Mr. Gore need never seek public office again, it would be a pay cut.

Alternative energy research and development will proceed only at the rate that is demanded by the paying consumers. If they demand that their elected servants do something about it, you will see an influx of money and research not unlike the Manhattan Project. Sadly most of the public are too lazy and complacent to even vote, let alone actually take an active role in the running of their country.

I for one will do what I feel is necessary for my own research and I wish you all well in yours and to Hades with those who think they will tell me what my carbon footprint should be.

Sorry about the Soapbox.

Cordially Dragon

Although new designs of solar cells don't show the early poisoning of the semiconductor junctions, and the efficiency is much higher than the early 10%, much more development needs to take place.

Perhaps the middle eastern folks, who have oil money to burn, should make investments in this technology, rather than in vast and expensive new "white elephant" hotels.

Kind Regards....