Why can people see ethanol as an energy conversion scheme but fail to realize solar as one?
Solar panels are an inefficient means for collecting energy (sunlight). This energy still has to be stored in what is also fairly cumbersome and inefficient systems (batteries). There are technology roadblocks all down the line for making efficient use of the sunlight, though progress is being made. Ethanol is already converted energy being stored for use (think gasoline). Ethanol uses current technology and can be done right now. The problem with ethanol is when food-grade crops are being used for conversion to ethanol. A lot of energy is being used to produce not a lot more energy, while taking food off the market. There is also progress in using non-food grade crops for ethanol production. The bottom line is that solar vs. ethanol is still a case of futuretech vs. current technology. One is a hope and the other needs careful management to be viable.
