Solar Panels, for CIVIL discussion
Don't have an issue with solar panels per se... usem if you wanna.. your business. If the math hashes out.. go for it.
But don't try to tell me they are good for the environment. Manufacturing them and the rare earth minerals involved is a nasty process and they are not making any plans on what to do with them after their power output drops to 0.
Just like those hugely expensive CFL bulbs we were told were going to save the planet... which are now banned in many states. Turns out creating millions of expensive mercury filled tubes is actually bad.. who could have known?
I agree, if you want solar panels on your property go for it. I have considered it myself, if only to stop paying the ever increasing taxes and fees all levels of gov't are putting my my utility bill. Even my small suburban town has recently added a usage tax onto my bill in addition to sales tax, library tax, mass transit tax, etc.
However there are three issues that holding me back...
Unless you have an enormous battery pack to buffer and supplement the solar power, solar panels will not work if your electric grid is offline. So if the power goes off, your solar panels stop working as well, and therefore cannot act as a generator type backup power.
Secondly, the panels are only expected to produce power about 3.5 - 4.5 hrs per day. Longer in the summer, less in the winter, and not at all when covered with snow. The other 20 hrs per day you have to draw power from the grid.
Lastly, as some have already mentioned, solar panels are made up of hazardous materials and are considered toxic waste when they wear out. Do I really want to put a toxic waste dump on my roof for my widow or children to have to live with?
