It doesn't matter if most of the country doesn't get enough solar rays. 1/10 of Nevada, if covered with the trough/linear-frensel technology they're discussing, could provide all the US with electricity at or below grid rates. It would however require a new backbone of super high voltage transmission lines across the country. Better off supply only 1/3 of the E needed with solar.
Solar power storage best done with underground caves, where thermal energy is stored as steam, then converted to E as needed. Only adds 20% to the cost, still below grid costs at this scale.
FYI ... wind turbine blades automatically adjust, so they never fail in strong wind conditions.
Surprised they poopooed thin films.CIGS and other nano tech looks very impressive. The problem is manufacturing, apparently, and the hurdles are significant.
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