Technology and Stimulus
In his second of two features on technology funding in the federal stimulus bill ("Chasing the Sun," July/August 2009), David Rotman examined the impact that government spending will have on the future of solar power by reporting on a plan to turn land in Chicago into the nation's largest urban solar plant.

David Rotman gave a good analysis of large-scale solar energy production, but analyzing only the up-front cost of a new energy production facility doesn't address whether the investment is sound. The correct method uses life-cycle costing (LCC), which factors in the life of the installation and the ongoing maintenance. The article also overlooks low-temperature geothermal as an alternative energy source. Low-temp geothermal combined with a heat pump is the most efficient form of heating and cooling and could reduce our peak electricity demand. The stimulus bill, which provides for tax credits for both, could make a real difference.
Rick Clemenzi
Asheville, NC