Solar Panels are Becoming as Cheap as Fossil Fuels
Elon Musk and his energy company, SolarCity, are harnessing solar power more efficiently than ever before, and are releasing panels for residential use that will rival the cost of traditional fossil fuels.
The popularity and feasibility of solar power is growing in the U.S. right now, with recent installations making it possible to power 4.6 million homes in the country. In fact, 40% of new energy production in the U.S. this year has come from solar power.
The company's goal is to make solar power a realistic alternative to fossil fuels in the residential market, although critics say it could never be used for more than 20-25% of total energy in the residential market.
What do you think? Will solar power take over fossil fuels as it becomes cheaper and easier?
Frankly, no, I don't forsee solar panels overriding fossil fuels as the primary energy source for residential areas in the future. The liability if damaging the solar panels would simply be too high for homeowners in many regions. Take Kansas City, for example. We have a hailstorm somewhere in the metro about once every five years. Now, imagine having to rebuild your energy system for your entire house every five years. It would cost a small fortune, and I don't really see the benefit beyond solar panels being slightly more Eco-friendly.
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