I enjoyed seeing video of this new solar plant up and running. It was great to see the new cost figures. It was a relief to see that even FOX news can get behind solar power and the President elect.
Solar power: something even FOX News can get excited about
I have heard that a series of panels in a 95 x 95 mile square could provide all the electricity needed for the entire country. This news may see that happen in our lifetimes!
I'm a big fan of solar and wind potential. But let's not forget that there are maintenance costs, as well as the initial outlay. Consider how often the solar panels need to be cleaned in dusty deserts. Remember that snakes who live in sunny regions are attracted to electric and magnetic fields (often shorting transformers). Note the mean time between failure (that requires replacement). Consider the climatic effect of square miles of black surface in the sun. Consider the transportation costs of running electric conduits from the sunny high deserts to the coasts. Marvel at the toxic waste generated by semiconductor production (proportional to circuit area).
Solar has great potential. But let's not gloss over the real costs of scaling up from square feet to square miles.