[ExI] Further ranting on power sat

[BillK]

On Mon, Aug 20, 2012 at 5:47 AM, Keith Henson wrote:
> On Sun, Aug 19, 2012 at 1:26 PM,   Eugen Leitl wrote:
>
>> Sorry, this is incorrect. New solar is cheaper than new nuclear
>> https://encrypted.google.com/search?q=solar+cheaper+than+new+nuclear&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=ubuntu&channel=fs
>
> In that cased, you should correct this:
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost_of_electricity_by_source#Estimates
>
> And the US government report on which it is based
> http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/aeo/electricity_generation.cfm
>
>


'When' is the debatable point.  It is inevitable that solar will be
cheaper at some time.
Solar power costs are on a reducing path with zero input fuel costs.
Nuclear power is becoming more expensive and will be much more
expensive in five years time when any new plants would come online..
Solar power cuts peak demand prices (daytime) forcing nuclear to cut
daytime prices and making nuclear less profitable.

Another factor is what costs and benefits are included in these comparisons.
Nuclear 'cleanup' after the plant is closed is usually underestimated.
Similarly, it only takes one failure to produce enormous recovery and
damages costs which would wipe out any possible cost benefits.
Solar power manufacturing and installation will produce much more
employment over the next ten years with benefits to the economy (and
tax income for the government).

In a few years time it will be a 'no-brainer' for every building roof
to be covered with solar panels. Solar power will be everywhere. On
your clothes to recharge your phone, on windows, on car roofs, etc.
etc.

BillK