03-02-2019, 08:38 AM
Politics indeed, there is something for everyone to lobby for or against. About ten different groups quickly come to mind.
Back to the efficiency, Otter's chart illustrates big strides for wind this decade. I had read it improved but it is an impressive cost reduction. The R&D will come as it is employed by the power generators. I think that's a good thing, even if it needs a backup. No reason it shouldn't be part of the mix where it works. People don't want to see the entire landscape dotted with turbines of course. It's the put them in others peoples back yard thing.
Solar is what disappoints me most. It was hyped to consumers in the 1970s and the cost efficiencies ares still not here, even with much improvement. I remember the salesman's pitch to my father in the 1980s. The price was $25,000 for his small home. Natural gas prices were supposed to increase 500%. That never happened. Looking back, he would have needed a 75%+ subsidy for it to pay back in any reasonable period of time. I hope they continue to improve it so it can be viable without the subsidies. Our new Congress may move that along soon. Same with EV autos as affordable storage tech isn't there yet either.
Back to the efficiency, Otter's chart illustrates big strides for wind this decade. I had read it improved but it is an impressive cost reduction. The R&D will come as it is employed by the power generators. I think that's a good thing, even if it needs a backup. No reason it shouldn't be part of the mix where it works. People don't want to see the entire landscape dotted with turbines of course. It's the put them in others peoples back yard thing.
Solar is what disappoints me most. It was hyped to consumers in the 1970s and the cost efficiencies ares still not here, even with much improvement. I remember the salesman's pitch to my father in the 1980s. The price was $25,000 for his small home. Natural gas prices were supposed to increase 500%. That never happened. Looking back, he would have needed a 75%+ subsidy for it to pay back in any reasonable period of time. I hope they continue to improve it so it can be viable without the subsidies. Our new Congress may move that along soon. Same with EV autos as affordable storage tech isn't there yet either.