According to the BBC science page, 90 % of current solar panels will last at least 30 years rather than the considered standard of 20. This claim is from the EU Energy Institute, and they predict that 40 year life PV panels will be on the market shortly. According to their research Italy (which has high electricity costs) will reach grid cost parity in 2010 and the less sunny parts of Europe by 2030. As a personal aside, I fail to see why scientists advising governments don't take the emphasis of alternative power reaching baseline generation for grid distribution and turn it into micro generation either at individual dwelling or street level - which IMHO is far more achievable with current technology, leaving current base load to drive the very high, but short usage items in the home. Colin -- cdb, 3/07/2009 -- colin@btech-online.co.uk -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist