Currently we see solar as one of many solutions to energy independence and a way to get off our fossil fuel addiction. Soon enough though, it may be difficult to even find older fossil fuel technologies. While we sit around trying to discard, destroy and otherwise rid our lives of fossil fuel devices such as gasoline engines, coal power plants and such, we may find in the near future a rush on these very products.

Solar is not infallible

Solar is not infallible. Solar is not invincible to control. While nobody may yet control the sun, there are certainly a few things that can still happen and a few new problems arise with solar:

1. Someone builds something that blocks your solar, legally - Many people live on small lots. Many businesses are also on small lots. In a non-grid-based system where one uses photovoltaic cells or passive solar technologies (true independence) it is possible that someone could erect a structure next to yours that would prevent you from collecting solar with current technologies. They may be able to do this in a completely lawful manner.
2. Outside control - In the case that you are using your solar as a sole means for energy independence and a way to get away from invaders or your own government and other domestic entities, you are far from invincible. A simple, cheap, thin anything to cast a shadow on your solar collection system would take away your energy. This is the equivalent of them being able to pull the plug on your house.
3. Something beyond anyones control blocks the sun in your area - While it would most likely be a severe disaster (natural or man-made) and power would be the least of your worries, it can certainly happen.
4. You can’t hide solar collectors - Current technologies require solar collectors to be exposed to sunlight. This means you can’t bury, hide, or otherwise well-shelter solar collectors like you could fossil fuel generators and such. This leaves your energy needs exposed to enemies and the elements.
5. You can’t store solar like you can fossil fuel - Batteries are cost-prohibitive for storing huge amounts of energy. They are also not 100% efficient and can lose charge over time. Most fossil fuels can store for extremely long amounts of time without severe degredation in energy yields. They can also store a vast amount of energy in a very small space.

Much of this list also applies to wind technologies.

These points are largely geared toward individuals collecting solar, but they can also apply to large solar power plants and the grids that rely on them.

The run on fossil fuel products

Many individuals, non-governmental organizations and government are seeking to get rid of fossil fuel technologies in the name of “green”-ness and currently, the “stimulation of the economy”. Many laws have been introduced, and many more will be, to make certain fossil fuel-related technologies unavailable and illegal. While the intentions are most likely on the side of good, the result is needlessly not on the same side.

I’m not saying all of this as a case against solar technology. To the contrary, I am an ardent supporter and fan of solar and other non-fossil fuel technologies. However, we must all realize that destruction of the ‘old ways’ is not the solution to independence. Don’t junk your fossil fuel stuff yet - it’s likely it will carry great value in the future.