Do you think people will ever really completely be on solar power for homes? Autos?
I know a lot of people talk about it, and talk of using it, but there isnt that many people using (for instance) solar power..why not? If you own a home, why wouldnt you atleast partially use solar to offset some of your home's costs?
People can't say 'because of the cost' any more, state, local and federal incentives pay for quite a bit of purchase and installation. Now granted, only maybe 2 states would probably pay out enough in inventives to completely cover a full off grid residential installation, but most states would cover a grid tied installation that wouldn't completely remove the need for grid power, but would take a huge bite out of it, probably around 40-50% of the bill. There are so many loans, grants and programs to roll it into the mortgage that cost isn't that much of an issue at this point, and its only getting better.
People can't even really use the 'because it will mess with the architecture of my house' line any more. Solar cells are being made to look like shingles, specifically to blend with architecture.
So why don't more people use it? Google just went to solar, BP and Yahoo also have instituted major solar installations, but overall there just doesnt seem to be many people doing it.
I really don't see solar or electric cars being that big of a deal. I could be wrong but i think its more likely that ethanol will be the renewable fuel of choice for autos. Electric cars just dont seem to be able to get a solid footing in the mainstream.
Hydro and even micro hydro only really have limited uses it seems, but wind seems as though it could be a pretty strong source.
discuss.
I know a lot of people talk about it, and talk of using it, but there isnt that many people using (for instance) solar power..why not? If you own a home, why wouldnt you atleast partially use solar to offset some of your home's costs?
People can't say 'because of the cost' any more, state, local and federal incentives pay for quite a bit of purchase and installation. Now granted, only maybe 2 states would probably pay out enough in inventives to completely cover a full off grid residential installation, but most states would cover a grid tied installation that wouldn't completely remove the need for grid power, but would take a huge bite out of it, probably around 40-50% of the bill. There are so many loans, grants and programs to roll it into the mortgage that cost isn't that much of an issue at this point, and its only getting better.
People can't even really use the 'because it will mess with the architecture of my house' line any more. Solar cells are being made to look like shingles, specifically to blend with architecture.
So why don't more people use it? Google just went to solar, BP and Yahoo also have instituted major solar installations, but overall there just doesnt seem to be many people doing it.
I really don't see solar or electric cars being that big of a deal. I could be wrong but i think its more likely that ethanol will be the renewable fuel of choice for autos. Electric cars just dont seem to be able to get a solid footing in the mainstream.
Hydro and even micro hydro only really have limited uses it seems, but wind seems as though it could be a pretty strong source.
discuss.