First, My intertie panels came from a local power authority grant, they cost me ZERO PLUS the knowledge and ability to install them and save $4.50 a watt x 6kw. But let's look at what those panels do for me AND my community. I get no bill, everyone in the coop gets a reduced rate because my energy is sold and it goes right to the people of the coop. I did pay for my off grid system but it has already recouped its cost. The microhydro I'm building is done right here as are the windmills.
The panels I put up are not made in China, they are US made as are the inverters, MPPT chargers, etc.
Now, lets talk about corporate control. When you buy a gallon of gas you pay an exorbitant amount to Exxon Mobil, etc. It's not a windmill you built or bought and put in with a one time cost. It's not solar panels that you bought once and lasts 30 plus years paying you a dividend every time the sun shines. You have control over those panels. IF you keep buying fossil fuel, like you are, than you keep paying people, some who don't care for you one iota, a lot of money. That's difference between us. MY yearly energy costs are going down, yours are going up.
We ALL buy light bulbs and cars. The energy companies love you because you'll be paying for them the rest of your life.
Yes the corporations sell us cars, bulbs, etc. BUT you buy them too, again the difference is that I don't keep paying every time I go to the pump.
Now lets talk about corporations and energy. Let's say your local power company wants to put up a wind farm. The first thing they do is hike your rates for the 'environmental benefit' BUT they still keep charging you when those windmills produce energy. IF I put up a windmill I get the benefit. I'm not paying the corporate machine every month, you are. You can't bring into the debate buying things like light bulbs, we both do that. Light bulb aren't the problem, take a look at corporate lobby money. Energy, pharmaceuticals, etc., that's who owns us.
So now back to elecric cars. I'll charge one here for the ten year cost of the batteries which, since the technology is improving daily, will cost less in ten years, not more.
What will you be doing? Buying gas at the mercy of the oil companies and terrorists? How smart is that?
Rob
