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If you use the numbers in the article, it would take ~18 years to recoup their investment.
So they'll break even around the same time the first solar panels in this array start to fail. Solar panels have about a 20-30 year lifespan. So unless electricity gets more expensive or solar panels are far cheaper 20 years from now, the project will probably never be a net gain, dollar-wise.
How many years until that "savings" claimed in this article is realized? I know that in my part of the country electricity is still relatively cheap. Looking at my most recent electric bill it is $0.12/kWh.
Typically Solar Panels "pay" for themselves in 25-30 years.
So they'll break even around the same time the first solar panels in this array start to fail. Solar panels have about a 20-30 year lifespan. So unless electricity gets more expensive or solar panels are far cheaper 20 years from now, the project will probably never be a net gain, dollar-wise.
Unless they're cheap Chinese panels, their actual lifespan will be in the 35-40+ year range. American companies like Solar World have entire arrays that are now hitting 45 years.
Return on Investment is not the be all and end all measure of the value of everything. That is just Buisness School indoctrination because they cannot measure anything else.
Return on Investment is not the be all and end all measure of the value of everything. That is just Buisness School indoctrination because they cannot measure anything else.
Government doesn't "invest", it takes by force and redistributes to favorites.
For some reason, our military doesn't want to be reliant on foreign energy sources coming from unstable regions of the world... Quite mysterious.
No what is mysterious is we have all the resources we need right here but the green weenies saddle those industries and sit back and watch em fill a field full of mirrors instead.
Well, I suppose that the military could charge themselves ridiculous rates for their own electricity. Anything is possible.
However, looking at the bigger picture (from one of the links I posted upthread):
"But the savings transcend money. Army Specialist, Robin Eckstein drove fuel trucks across Iraq after deploying in 2003. She shudders at the recollection of friends killed in roadside attacks. The slow-moving, thin-skinned vehicles used to transport fuel and water are favorite targets of the enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After leaving the Army, Eckstein joined other veterans in an organization called "Operation Free." The group supports a comprehensive energy bill that would reduce the flow of american dollars to oil rich countries. "The fact that when we go to the gas pump that I'm helping to fund terrorists who are firing back at my friends over in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's just unacceptable" Eckstein said."
Fuel and water trucks?? Do you think the solar array will power tanks in Afghan or somehow transport water to the troops on the front lines? Are you suggesting we make Chevy Volt Tanks now? lol
Typically Solar Panels "pay" for themselves in 25-30 years.
Really it is dependent upon the electric rates. I figured a 10 yr. payback if I had them installed and net-metered. However, since the energy would not be sold off base your estimate may be correct.
Really, I have no problem with our military bases utilizing renewable resources. I'd rather see the funding used there instead of paying off campaign donors as has Obama's DOE Sec. Chu.
So they'll break even around the same time the first solar panels in this array start to fail. Solar panels have about a 20-30 year lifespan. So unless electricity gets more expensive or solar panels are far cheaper 20 years from now, the project will probably never be a net gain, dollar-wise.
But both are occurring simultaneously.
Electricity is more expensive (as are all utilities) and solar panels are a lot cheaper and more efficient than they were just a decade ago.
We need alternatives.
Fossil fuels will not last forever.
Some people want to wait until there is no choice but to find other alternatives.
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