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As a firm believer that Boomers will be the last generation able to afford a 'decent' retirement, would you be willing to pay extra to have alternative energy sources in the retirement community you move to (even though they may cost several thousands more) so retirees coming after us won't have to deal with high energy cost... sort of a way of paying it forward?
While we try very hard to conserve and reduce/recycle/reuse, I couldn't give a blanket answer. I'd be willing to pay a premium for alternative energy if there was a long run benefit, but not all alternative energy options make sense, at least not yet.
Some of them (ie, solar & wind) rely on low adoption rates and/or subsidies to appear cost effective, and they would not be cost effective at high adoption rates and/or without subsidies. At high adoption rates, they reduce emissions but increase cost. At 100% adoption of solar & wind, costs could easily be considerably higher, at least with present technologies. So there may be a moral aspect to the decision.
But technological breakthroughs have surprised us all throughout history, no reason to believe that won't continue to be the case (fingers crossed). And as I understand it, the costs of PV cells are dropping precipitously nowadays.
Sorry my answer is likely more complicated than you were hoping for...regards.
No, I wouldn't pay extra to live with alternative energy. I already live in an area with renewable energy (hydro), that is low cost, but environmentalists look down on it.
No, I wouldn't pay extra to live with alternative energy. I already live in an area with renewable energy (hydro), that is low cost, but environmentalists look down on it.
FWIW, hydro is a far more attractive alternative than solar or wind. Hydro is constant (properly sited) where solar and wind are intermittent, which requires full capacity backup from coal, nat gas, nuclear or whatever conventional utility. That's why level of adoption of intermittent alternatives are a significant long term issue...
While we try very hard to conserve and reduce/recycle/reuse, I couldn't give a blanket answer. I'd be willing to pay a premium for alternative energy if there was a long run benefit, but not all alternative energy options make sense, at least not yet.
Some of them (ie, solar & wind) rely on low adoption rates and/or subsidies to appear cost effective, and they would not be cost effective at high adoption rates and/or without subsidies. At high adoption rates, they reduce emissions but increase cost. At 100% adoption of solar & wind, costs could easily be considerably higher, at least with present technologies. So there may be a moral aspect to the decision.
But technological breakthroughs have surprised us all throughout history, no reason to believe that won't continue to be the case (fingers crossed). And as I understand it, the costs of PV cells are dropping precipitously nowadays.
Sorry my answer is likely more complicated than you were hoping for...regards.
Excellent points and well made. Funny thing about energy the most cost effective by true dollars is nuclear followed very closely by hydro. It is the most controversial though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RTYD
Great answer... just looking for opinions
Great questions though. My opinion is I would also pay some extra for alternative energy if it would lead us on a more environmentally friendly and all. I am like mathjak in that I am really pretty good with recycling. I sort my trash. I do drive a 6 cyl that is supposed to do flex fuel. I havent used it though. My wife drives a 4 cyl.
Quote:
Originally Posted by akck
No, I wouldn't pay extra to live with alternative energy. I already live in an area with renewable energy (hydro), that is low cost, but environmentalists look down on it.
It is really sad that because we can get lots of energy from a hydro electric dam (I grew up next to one) and the cost of energy is very good. Maybe on the ones in service there can be a way to capture more with smaller generators with greater output. Things are getting smaller and more efficient
1. I have no interest in a retirement community.
2. You have no idea if energy will cost more in the future? You are basing this on false assumptions. New technologies are being discovered every year. We now have a 100 year supply of natural gas, and more oil to meet the worlds needs are being found every day. Lighten up and enjoy your retirement.
1. I have no interest in a retirement community.
2. You have no idea if energy will cost more in the future? You are basing this on false assumptions. New technologies are being discovered every year. We now have a 100 year supply of natural gas, and more oil to meet the worlds needs are being found every day. Lighten up and enjoy your retirement.
Not every retirement community is in the alternative energy gig. Most actually are just places where people of like mind decide to have homes. They pool community assets like pools and hot tubs. They also have game rooms and exercise facilities. Places to relax and meet with others doing things you want.
Yes they cater to those who are looking for the amenities they offer. There are a lot of reasons to like and dislike them.
It is good that we have good supply of energy resources. We will need it.
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