[mythtv-users] [Slightly OT] solar power for all our gadgets

[George Mari]

Jeff Walther wrote:
>> Date: Sun, 8 Mar 2009 17:48:42 -0700
 >
> Anyway, this topic kind of chaps me because I frequently hear the media
> non-critically hyping how wonderful it is to have solar panels, and the
> fact is that anyone who can do simple math (and doesn't live somewhere
> with really expensive electricity) can see that they make no economic
> sense whatsoever.
> 

I think you're not counting the indirect economic benefits with solar 
and other green power compared to fossil-fuel based power:

- Less air pollution should result in reduced costs in health care and 
higher productivity with people missing fewer days of work due to smog 
alerts and respiratory problems.  Not just for the people who put solar 
panels on their roof, but at least some part of the population in general.

- Reduced risk of runaway global warming.

I'd say both of those are obviously hard things to quantify, but they're 
worth something.