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Re:See-Through Solar Is Tomorrow’s Threat to Oil by TeMPOraL on Monday March 23, 2015 @10:06AM (#9250922)
Does this tech, or even regular PVs, break-even energy-wise? I.e. do they produce more energy during their life-time than it takes to create them? Because if not, then a widespread deployment will only make our problems worse.

EDIT: thanks for replies!

Re:See-Through Solar Is Tomorrow’s Threat to Oil by dangravell on Monday March 23, 2015 @10:14AM (#9250984)
Regular PV breaks even with ease, assuming sensible use of the panels (e.g. don't mount them in the shade, mount them the right way around, don't smash them up etc).

Look up "embodied energy".

Re:See-Through Solar Is Tomorrow’s Threat to Oil by TeMPOraL on Monday March 23, 2015 @10:38AM (#9251143)
Thanks very much for the term "embodied energy" - now I know how what to google for!
Re:See-Through Solar Is Tomorrow’s Threat to Oil by jndetlefsen on Monday March 23, 2015 @10:13AM (#9250976)
4-6 years, that's why we need to make them cheaper and not fancier.
Re:See-Through Solar Is Tomorrow’s Threat to Oil by yessql on Monday March 23, 2015 @10:15AM (#9250992)
PV energy payback is typically on the order of 1 or 2 years.