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The first is the huge losses that long-range transmission causes. Some estimates are 25%. Moving generation closer to users would help, but this isn't an option for most solar projects. Attempts at superconducting transmission have not gone well to date.
Second is the (ultimate) resource limits on the rare earth elements needed in many solar panels. Panels using more readily available materials don't seem to have as high a yield.
Third is the need to store energy for when the sun is not shining. I've wondered about converting water to Hydrogen as a mechanism, especially for coastal windfarms. The Hydrogen could then be used as a fuel itself.
Transportation run by electricity is going to always have problems because of the need to drag batteries around. Perhaps it is time to investigate centralized power again. Aside from the unsightliness, electric trams and buses run off overhead wires were practical, non-polluting and reasonably quiet. Maybe highways could be outfitted with power and hybrid cars would connect for long distance and only run on batteries at the ends of the journey.
There is too much expectation that the personal vehicle model can (and needs to be) maintained. This is an innovation which is less than 100 years old. It's not clear that it is a necessity. Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
In comparison with biofuels, electric is going to be favourable even if you posit transmission and conversion losses of 50% and over. However, actual transmission losses seem to be much lower. Wikipedia states losses of about 7% for the US and the UK.
Converting water into hydrogen through electrolysis is still a very inefficient process, so whether hydrogen is a viable energy carrier seems uncertain.
Don't blame me, I rode the train to work when I traveled to NYC.
Currently a plan to add a third track to the mainline of the Long Island Railroad to increase capacity is running into opposition because it will require removing about 15 homes and widening the right of way slightly. I guess the opponents favor the increased auto traffic that will result if the expansion doesn't take place.
The US is the world leader in NIMBYism. Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
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