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Electricity will become cheaper thanks to renewable energies (Solar, Wind...) and energy storage improvements (Batteries). But, I think we should point out that

by JohnyLy 11y ago

Electricity will become cheaper thanks to renewable energies (Solar, Wind...) and energy storage improvements (Batteries). But, I think we should point out that those energies represent large investments at first. For instance, building solar electricity plants is very expensive, the same way as Wind power. Germany is a good example: they stopped nuclear plants to increase their renewable energy production but costs of electricity increased a lot there. I'd say electricity costs will go up first (because of high investments) and then will decrease.

prostoalex 11y ago
The cost of solar production is highly dependent on geography, and in some places, like California, Nevada or Arizona deserts cheap land and good weather allows for massive economies of scale https://gigaom.com/2015/01/20/a-special-report-the-rise-of-a-mega-solar-panel-farm-why-its-important/ https://gigaom.com/2015/01/20/a-special-report-the-rise-of-a... Countries with sunny deserts do get an economic edge on this one though compared to overcast, densely populated countries http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-15/acwa-power-wins-contract-to-build-dubai-solar-plant-acwa-ceo http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-15/acwa-power... But there's no turning back - once the newcomer into space gets a massive economic advantage by having access to cheap energy, they attract industries that are relying on cheap energy, and soon those market participants overrun their competitors whose cost structure includes higher energy costs.
sintaxi 11y ago
Solar plants are completely unnecessary as solar panels can be distributed to wherever the power is needed. The grid will be obsolete before long.
copsarebastards 11y ago
> But, I think we should point out that those energies represent large investments at first. I think that's part of what Musk is saying will no longer be true in the near future.

by JohnyLy 11y ago

prostoalex 11y ago

The cost of solar production is highly dependent on geography, and in some places, like California, Nevada or Arizona deserts cheap land and good weather allows for massive economies of scale https://gigaom.com/2015/01/20/a-special-report-the-rise-of-a-mega-solar-panel-farm-why-its-important/ https://gigaom.com/2015/01/20/a-special-report-the-rise-of-a... Countries with sunny deserts do get an economic edge on this one though compared to overcast, densely populated countries http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-15/acwa-power-wins-contract-to-build-dubai-solar-plant-acwa-ceo http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-15/acwa-power... But there's no turning back - once the newcomer into space gets a massive economic advantage by having access to cheap energy, they attract industries that are relying on cheap energy, and soon those market participants overrun their competitors whose cost structure includes higher energy costs.

sintaxi 11y ago

Solar plants are completely unnecessary as solar panels can be distributed to wherever the power is needed. The grid will be obsolete before long.

copsarebastards 11y ago

> But, I think we should point out that those energies represent large investments at first. I think that's part of what Musk is saying will no longer be true in the near future.