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If PV technology is indeed akin to computer technology (how, exactly?) then perhaps subsidies aren't needed, just as they weren't needed in the arena of computi
by confuzatron 16y ago
If PV technology is indeed akin to computer technology (how, exactly?) then perhaps subsidies aren't needed, just as they weren't needed in the arena of computing. I am just not convinced that the government funnelling huge amounts of money towards buying technology that isn't economical results in the technology becoming economical any faster.
- lispm 16y agoNo subsidies in the development of computing? That's a joke? Wait, who do you think has paid for the research. Ever heard of ARPA or DARPA? The whole computer technology came out of military applications paid by the tax payer. Ever heard of the origins of what we know as Internet, the ARPAnet? Google for 'secret history of silicon valley' and view the movie.
- confuzatron 16y agoThat is irrelevant to the issue, which is that of government subsidies on the purchase of computing technology, for end-users. No doubt NASA have done some solar panel research - that would be more analogous to what you mention. The only example I can vaguely remember was the funding in France for everyone to get some sort of modem-connected device. I don't believe this advanced computing hardware at all, and didn't place France in the lead of the computing technology race.
- sedachv 16y agoYou're talking about Minitel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minitel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minitel It's still in use and generating revenues 28 years after introduction.