Solar Roads?

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tulsanewb

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Oh no, don't misunderstand. I probably didn't convey well, I'm really good at that, but I just don't see the research being funded by the taxpayer.

Now if you want to talk about subsidizing CNG/LNG fueling infrastructure, that I could get on board with. The technology already exists, we have a couple hundred years of supply (and growing daily) and it's vastly cleaner. If I were a politician I'd push it as the next "Manhattan Project". If the public was good with it, I'd even go with a $0.01 per gge fuel tax and "lockbox" it for research on solar, hydrogen, etc. See there, it's really not hard to work stuff out between differing views.

Sounds like we aren't so far apart after all :-) A fun debate all around, thanks. Always appreciate someone who will engage me and make me think, without turning it personal :thumbup3:
 

turkeyrun

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A good, lively, civilized discussion on OSA, what a novell concept.

Like the difference between murder and justifiable homicide. Just semantics, the result is the same.


Don't agree with this comparison though. Result is same in a person died, but semantics? Murder = dirtbag made a decision to kill a person. Justifiable Homicide = a dirtbag who deserved to die was killed under justifiable circumstance. Suppose it could be semantics depending on your opinion of the deceased.

Now to the OP.

As I see it, incentive would be as in reducing the tax rate for a new company coming in and creating jobs. State waives tax rate for 5 years, blah blah.
Subsidizing is total BS. solar, ethanol, CNG, whatever. IF the company / investor thinks it is viable / profitable then they will / should invest their money to develop. We have had ENOUGH Solyndra, GM and other like companies taking taxpayer money and being miss-managed.

Goobermint agencies that need to go = EPA, Energy, IRS, HUD, FHA, ................... oh hell, all but MILITARY.
 

uncle money bags

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My point is there is a clear difference between a subsidy and a tax incentive. Just as there is a clear difference between murder and a justifiable homicide.
 

ChuckC

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My point is there is a clear difference between a subsidy and a tax incentive. Just as there is a clear difference between murder and a justifiable homicide.

Yep.
Tax incentive = confiscating less of your money.
Subsidy= confiscating your money and giving it to someone else, whether you like it or not.
 

perfor8

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So, erecting solar panel banks isn't difficult or expensive enough on rooftops or in a nice pasture? Not enough of a challenge? Too easy? So, let's think of the most difficult place we could install them... let's see, how about on the roads?

The world if full of idiots, and other idiots that will send them money.

Seriously, I can think of many incredibly difficult challenges that make roadway solar installations, if not technically impossible, more difficult than installing them nearly anywhere else. Are there ANY advantages?
 

dennishoddy

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So, erecting solar panel banks isn't difficult or expensive enough on rooftops or in a nice pasture? Not enough of a challenge? Too easy? So, let's think of the most difficult place we could install them... let's see, how about on the roads?

The world if full of idiots, and other idiots that will send them money.

Seriously, I can think of many incredibly difficult challenges that make roadway solar installations, if not technically impossible, more difficult than installing them nearly anywhere else. Are there ANY advantages?

Sounds like something obama would pull like Solyndra.
 

TwoForFlinching

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Y'all might be amazed how much solar is currently in use by cities, towns, and the state. It powers signs, lights, and tons of municipal equipment. At most of y'alls age, I can understand the lack of enthusiasm for the science. You'll likely be gone by the time it reaches a pinnacle, but imagine what life would be like if older generations took a similar opinion to anything we take for granted now. We'd be burning coal in wood stoves for heat, AC wouldn't be a thing, and that little blue pill might not be around to get you off the bench.

I'm a huge cynic myself, but I've also learned in my short time on this rock the most dangerous phrase in any language is "We've always done it this way."
 

RickN

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Y'all might be amazed how much solar is currently in use by cities, towns, and the state. It powers signs, lights, and tons of municipal equipment. At most of y'alls age, I can understand the lack of enthusiasm for the science. You'll likely be gone by the time it reaches a pinnacle, but imagine what life would be like if older generations took a similar opinion to anything we take for granted now. We'd be burning coal in wood stoves for heat, AC wouldn't be a thing, and that little blue pill might not be around to get you off the bench.

I'm a huge cynic myself, but I've also learned in my short time on this rock the most dangerous phrase in any language is "We've always done it this way."


Yep solar makes up a whole 1.5% of the US total. Don't get me wrong, solar has it's uses but it will be many decades before it is more than a nifty little add-on. Batteries have to get much better for one thing. Frankly if solar was that great, CA would not be having rolling blackouts.

https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3
 

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