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From: cramer@optilink.UUCP (Clayton Cramer)
Newsgroups: sci.energy,sci.electronics,sci.physics
Subject: Re: solar cells
Message-ID: <5119@optilink.UUCP>
Date: 2 Jan 91 21:33:18 GMT
References: <1990Dec17.190857.16559@engin.umich.edu> <37448@cup.portal.com>
Organization: Optilink Corporation, Petaluma, CA
Lines: 33

In article <37448@cup.portal.com>, Ordania-DM@cup.portal.com (Charles K Hughes) writes:
> 
>   A lot of people having been talking about the cost of solar power versus
> alternatives...those opposed to solar power as uneconomical are, perhaps,
> not looking at the complete picture.  Solar power is probably bext compared
> to Nuclear power in terms of "manufacture" of the energy output.
>   Nuclear power: fuel is dug from the ground, processed (slag is put aside
> to be buried), used to generate energy, remains of fuel are buried.
>   Solar power: no digging, no processing, energy is converted from 
> sunlight, no remains.

WRONG!  Production of solar cells requires significant energy inputs
for refining and production.  The ONLY use of solar power that can be
considered to be "free" is proper building design to take advantage
of differing summer/winter sun angles.  Everything else involves
some manufacturing costs.  When you find montrosities like Solar One
near Daggett, CA, with acres of aluminized mirrors focussing sunlight,
while being degraded by sandstorms, you have clear evidence that some-
one hasn't looked at the total energy input required.  (Hint: 
aluminizing mirrors is VERY energy intensive).

There's a place for solar power -- but most of the reason for
subsidies to it is because it is NOT cost-effective for most 
situations.

> Charles_K_Hughes@cup.portal.com


-- 
Clayton E. Cramer {pyramid,pixar,tekbspa}!optilink!cramer
Gun Control: The belief that the government, with its great wisdom and 
moral superiority, can be trusted with a monopoly on deadly force.
You must be kidding!  No company would hold opinions like mine!