Fred B. McGalliard wrote:
"Anthony Matonak" wrote in message

I think the main point is that solar PV is a technology that
does not require massive infrastructure. It's something that
can be done on an individual and distributed basis. The big
power companies really don't have that much advantage over
individuals.

Sorry Anthony, but I think this is quite wrong. Solar PV requires a very
large infrastructure to build, and a substantial infrastructure to maintain.

I don't know about that. Solar PV can be used in any size from digital
watches to powering hotels. Big power companies have to buy the same
parts as individuals and would mostly pay similar prices. The large
infrastructure to build and maintain them is called "the rest of
civilization" for the most part and is accessible for an individual
as it is for a big power company.

The cells may last 100 years, but the inverters, storage batteries and the
like, are more typically 5-10 years. And, many of us do not live where
sunlight is all that reliable. The more unreliable, the larger and more
expensive the system that is required, and the more severe compromises have
to be made to keep the night light on. The PV systems, to obtain maximum
practical usage for the civilization as a whole, need to be installed in
mass in the desert regions down in the temperate zones in the us, Texas and
like that. This puts the big power companies in the cat bird seat, still.

Oddly enough, many people do live where the sunlight is fairly reliable
and a PV system can be small enough to be practical for an individual.
The civilization as a whole is just a collection of individuals when
you look at it closely enough.

But it is that, or pay 3-4 times as much for the same electricity from a
system that gives you constant headaches maintaining yourself, and one that
may actually consume more power to build and install than it can produce in
it's life, because we insist on living where we want instead of where solar
power pays off.

Grid tied systems need close to zero maintenance so I hardly see that as
giving constant headaches. Even with a battery system, I've heard about
some that only require a checkup every six months or so. Lastly, while
PV may be more expensive than grid power, I don't think that a big power
company can build solar PV all that much cheaper than anyone else.

Anthony