Submitted by Joe (not verified) on Mon, 08/18/2008 - 11:22.
The problem with solar is that it is insanely expensive. Americans have trouble affording it. This is because the solar cells themselves require a lot of energy to produce.
Solar is applicable in Haiti on a small scale. I know of a group of Haitians that is buying small panels (maybe 1.5' x 1.5') and a small inverter (like one you'd buy at the store for $50) and running cellphone recharging businesses. Solar can, and will, succeed there.
Large-scale roll-out of solar has proven to be tricky, and extremely costly, even in the US. If Haiti can't get the resources together to create traditional power, what's the hope of doing large-scale solar.
For what it's worth, if that one project has a hundred installations for a low-6-figure cost then they are indeed very small installations.
The problem with solar is
The problem with solar is that it is insanely expensive. Americans have trouble affording it. This is because the solar cells themselves require a lot of energy to produce.
Solar is applicable in Haiti on a small scale. I know of a group of Haitians that is buying small panels (maybe 1.5' x 1.5') and a small inverter (like one you'd buy at the store for $50) and running cellphone recharging businesses. Solar can, and will, succeed there.
Large-scale roll-out of solar has proven to be tricky, and extremely costly, even in the US. If Haiti can't get the resources together to create traditional power, what's the hope of doing large-scale solar.
For what it's worth, if that one project has a hundred installations for a low-6-figure cost then they are indeed very small installations.