CT Programmer

The Year Ahead For US Wind

Great article. I wasn't aware of the state RPS side of the story.

Regarding solar, although the price has been coming down due to improved tech and efficiency, there's also a silicon shortage. Late in 2007, all the solar's were trying to lock in contracts for silicon supplies (competing with chip manufacturers to boot). Solar companies like TSL that couldn't lock in and had to pay spot prices suffered during the time. Even with expanding production, I can't imagine this silicon shortage has been completely alleviated. I don't see prices on solar dropping too dramatically for a while unless someone comes up with a serious breakthrough in the tech or the production. And solar is also heavily subsidized, which is fueling its growth (especially in Europe). In CT where I live, I've looked into a solar system for my roof. Out of of $25K cost, I'd get a federal tax credit of $2K and CT would pick up $13K. But its still not worth it based on expected electricity costs. I'm looking at 15-20 years to recoup, paying cash without financing. Wind is here and now, whereas solar is still in the "iffy" stages. I can't see a utility voluntarily installing solar if they can do wind cheaper and meet their alt energy requirements.

I can see now why T. Boone is suddenly all over the press. I'm sure he knew the PTC was expiring soon and he's putting public pressure to renew it.

Regarding alpha24seven's "ominous predictions" (I shouldn't even respond but I will), it sounds like he's talking about a ton of windfarms in the Midwest interfering with the Jet Stream. Maybe its time to invest in a ski resort in Florida and a beach resort in Michigan.

Implementing Pickens' Plan for Public Energy Policy

What ever happened to the promise of 40, 50, 60 mpg cars? Right after the oil crisis in the 70's, Japan's cars started selling like hotcakes in America mostly because of fuel efficiency. And they kept getting better and more efficient, until we had a glut of oil and 99 cent gas, then the trend started reversing and you started seeing bigger and heavier vehicles with less and less mpg. All of what you said will happen --- the switch to non-oil-based engines --- not because of any government plan but because of economics. It will get more and more expensive to use oil as it becomes scarce, and therefore the alternatives will become cheaper. The question is whether government helps in that transition and makes it orderly, or whether they fight against it in a mad dash to save antiquated systems. I like your tax idea, but you didn't take it far enough. America needs to dump the income tax and move to an entirely sales tax based system. That is the essence of a fair system. You pay based on what you consume. The rich consume more, so will pay more taxes. The poor consume less so will pay less. No more loopholes. Taxing consumption and not income will provide social incentives to work harder and save more.