Advanced coal still has the problem of environmental destruction from mining (ever seen a strip-mine?), plus CO2 emissions, even if sulfur dioxide and particulates are scrubbed.
Solar is also getting cheaper, and will CONTINUE to get cheaper as economies of scale from widespread adoption come into play. Besides, even at say 50% more expensive, there’s room for conservation of energy. Better lights, more efficient equipment, etc. If you go to many other countries, you see hotel and apt building hallway lights either on a motion sensor or a timer with a momentary contact switch outside of every door. Not so in the USA…
Lastly, assuming we end up with large-scale adoption of electric vehicles, a lot of the power will be consumed near the point of production. Think office parking lots with solar carport shades for charging…
PS – SPWR stock has been on an angry wildebeest style tear since late 2012…
