On: If Solar Panels Are So Clean, Why Do They Produce ...

[baybal2]

All and every semiconductor manufacturing produces tons and tons of toxic waste.

If people are so inclined, they are free to surrender all modern conveniences.

[emteycz → baybal2]

No one says that semiconductors are clean.

[melling → baybal2]

“If people are so inclined, they are free to surrender all modern conveniences”

Not really an acceptable response.

[ThomPete → baybal2]

That's not really the proper way to think about this.

Computers with electricity and access to cheap and plentiful energy are a baseline for everything else in modern society.

Solar has a bunch of advantages but the idea that it together with wind is going to be able to solve our energy needs is simply misguided and thus it has to undergo the same Cost/Benefit analysis as everything else does.

[emj → ThomPete]

You do have to think about externalities that hurt the earth; it is often thought of as a political question what externalities to include in cost/benefit analysis. We do not care about things that do not affect our current beliefs (see climate change deniers, profit maximizers). Just because something is a baseline in your life does not mean it is exempt from a complete cost/benefit analysis.

[ThomPete → emj]

You also have to think about externalities that improve human life and a bunch of other things.

So yes you have to make the cost benefit analysis. I have yet to see someone make a cost benefit analysis that would make solar and wind come out on top.

[crdoconnor → ThomPete]

Back in the old days before the economics favored green energy the default assumption was that The Market Should Decide.

It seems now that the market is deciding that there is a flurry of media going "now hold on a minute"