Make sure to look at the capacity factor of solar - the key to as why it is more expensive, costs of solar and coal are coming into line but the capacity factor of coal is between 80-90%, compared to solars 15-25%. So in laymans terms it takes 3x as much solar power to generate sufficient electricity, and solar power is anywhere between 10-25% more expensive per kwH. Take away solars tax credits/subsidies (which are much bigger than the 2-3c per kwH that you quoted, upto 60% for solar in the US) and we get a realistic picture of the cost of solar.
The only thing that looks like a drop in the ocean is when you compare the output of energy generated between solar and coal.
2) Did you read anything? Most of Germany's energy revolution is in wind power. The pricey part that you dont factor in is integrating a renewable network into a pre-existing power network. It is a difficult process.
I don't consider myself an expert but years ago I worked in a public energy regulator in the policy and planning division (economics) , so I have some idea.
The thing I hate about you blinker minded greenies is that I actually agree with you(that we need an eventually shift away from fossil fuels), but you lessen the credibility of your cause acting in the way you do. The technology of renewable energy is not there yet, and I can tell you for a fact that the people who make the decisions on how and where our power comes from know this.
As a nation I think Australia would be better of investing in R & D into green energy tech. At least then if we can come up with cost effective, efficient green energy methods we stand to make some money from it. Rather than follow in the footsteps of Germany who will reduce global emission by .02% at the cost of industry, poverty, economic welfare & oh....1 trillion euros.
