"Larry Jaques" wrote in message
...

Nearly all alternatives are efficient and viable in small
quantities. But solar electricity/hot water should be part
of all new homes (+5% cost, 2-5 yr ROI, cheaper than building
more dam/nuke/natgas plants), electric/gas hybrid cars should
be put out by every mfgr by now, and new buildings should be
made semi self-sufficient.

What is the source for the claim that solar electricity has a 2-5 yr. ROI,
Larry? The figures I've seen show a payback period of...never.

That's based on a total installed cost of $7/peak-kW, which is the
California average, based on actual systems installed. The data is taken
from the CA gov't. tax records, which they collect on the basis of tax
breaks claimed. Manufacturers' PV-module prices run $4/peak-kW. The $7 is an
average that includes systems with battery storage and those without.

Even ignoring the finite life of PV cells, the net-present-value of a solar
electric system is negative. In other words, you lose more in interest
payments than the value of the electricity they generate. And then, in
reality, they have a finite life and have to be replaced.

But I'm interested in whatever you have there.

Ed Huntress