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(3,208 posts)and the energy issue is the one thing that is doing it.
The oil companies will keep us tied to oil while even third world countries are using solar, wind and water power.
WAKE THE F UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SidDithers
(44,228 posts)I thought German solar generated 4 or 5% of German electricity?
Sid
caraher
(6,278 posts)A quarter is "renewable" and half of that is wind and solar.
SidDithers
(44,228 posts)From that same Wiki article:
Sid
truth2power
(8,219 posts)I'd put solar panels on the roof of my home in a split minute if the cost were subsidized to the extent the oil and gas corps are subsidized.
FSogol
(45,485 posts)All goofing aside, the US should be pouring big $$$ into solar R&D.
SidDithers
(44,228 posts)Sid
caraher
(6,278 posts)Wind contributes more than solar; but most of the small producers are solar installations, contrary to the suggestion in the graphic.
Either way, nowhere near 50%!
What's especially interesting about the graphic is that the Germans and the US are both engaged in "opposite thinking." Solar is really a pretty inefficient choice for Germany, given the latitude and climate, but their electricity pricing scheme encourages people to install PV. Meanwhile the US is further south (for the most part) and has vast areas that are sunny most days, yet haven't done much by way of consistent national policy to take advantage of that.
AAO
(3,300 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)AAO
(3,300 posts)JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)One of my favs:
abelenkpe
(9,933 posts)And they will be there far ahead of us. Which is sad and pathetic....
CA should cover every rooftop with solar panels. Everyday that we don't is a win for big oil and coal who continue to pollute and destroy our country.
tclambert
(11,086 posts)Hitler loved puppies. And Obama loves puppies, too. See? See how it all connects?
It can only be a good idea if we invented it here in America! Even if it's stupid! The important thing is continued blind support of all oil and coal subsidies. Because that way they can make more billions in profit. And profit is good. So it melts the ice caps. It's PROFITABLE!
(I think I just scared myself into thinking global climate catastrophe is inevitable. Damn. Sarcasm is dangerous.)
progressoid
(49,990 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)It wasnt too long ago that the energy needed to make and maintain the panels exceeded the energy generated. I think their effective lives have been extended.