When will solar electric systems replace coal and nuclear power plants?
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Business & Finance > Economics
Keywords:
solar, electric, system, replace, coal, nuclear, power, plant, energy, use
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when
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Answer:
Right now, our nuclear and fossil-fuel-based energy is quite inexpensive compared with the cost of solar energy. Oil and coal prices are low in most places, so solar energy still can't compete on a first-cost basis in many regions of the world, such as the United States. As this situation changes, we'll begin to see many more solar energy systems being built in areas that now use fossil fuels and nuclear energy for electricity generation.
Another driver in the deployment of solar systems is public demand for clean energy. Fossil-based energy pollutes the environment, and nuclear energy creates hazardous waste. If we stop to consider the environmental and health costs of fossil-fuel and nuclear energy, then solar energy already makes sense today.
However, in developing countries where there is little or no supply system for conventional energy, solar energy is being used more and more. It can be much less expensive than many other options, and the environmental benefits associated with this cleaner form of energy are significant. In developing countries, the key barriers to wider use are the need for financing and for electric distribution networks.
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