Solar energy considerations

I would like to add several details David Kramer’s item “The cost of solar energy production has plunged, but it needs fall further” in the June 2021 issue Physics Today (page 27).First, while monetary costs are important for investment decisions, they less relevant decisions regarding sustainability and decarbonization because depend not only on where with what source panels made also financing, depreciation, taxes, government subsidies. Costs should be accrued units compared outputs same units. This ratio is typically referred as return invested (EROEI), which a useful figure merit an source. Carbon saved over carbon another merit.I presume that photovoltaics (PV), particularly energy-intensive silicon crystals aluminum frames, have fallen much dollars. EROEI PV still rather poor, storage further reduces EROEI. In addition, one must consider low duty factor (around 20% my area) energy.Second, locally “clean,” look at whole cycle—including mining materials, fabrication (particularly crystalline frames), transportation—and involved produced those processes. All these up-front, recovered some fraction life expectancy facility, about 25 years. The disposal process considered well.Third, found transparency abysmal, nearly impossible get detailed information projects region. When public support, form subsidies, tax advantages, or soft such reviews, goes projects, right know them. If economics were good we led believe, expect this hidden behind corporate curtains.David Kramer need further, modify read follows: measured lot. Section:ChooseTop page <<© 2022 American Institute Physics.