Bigger IS Better (at least for now)

I guess it is a sign of progress when our alternative energy solutions are being produced bigger. It suggests that the level of acceptance of these technologies has moved from the individual level (think hybrid cars and solar panels on homes) to a community-wide level. Municipalities are demonstrating willingness to utilize their capital and real estate to purchase and house technology such as the 100,000 sf mirror system in Tucson, Arizona (see link below).

Of course, much like the way of Don Johnson's first cell phone, as manufacturing processes and technological advances become more efficient, the solutions will retract in size. This will enable urban centers to employ certain technologies that are only feasibly employed in the middle of big swaths of land. (Right now most folks in NYC can't get the NFL network because the dishes outside our windows are too small, can't pick up signal, etc... finding space for a 100,000 sf mirror may be a long time coming.) But Arizona Public Service is appropriately using progressive technology.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/business/businessspecial2/07big.html?_r=1&oref=slogin