It is a very fair test--a real world test. The only test which matters.

If the technologies fail to live up to their promise then they fail. The reason doesn't matter. It could be that some component got too expensive. Or maybe people just don't like dusting off their solar panels. Or whatever. But if people don't buy it, then it has failed the market test.

And this is why (besides money) the producers of these technologies are afraid to take that test. They know in their heart of hearts their tech isn't competitive.

Wind and solar have their uses and their places, but when it comes to generating the muscular energy required by modern industry they simply aren't strong enough. The real choice in front of us is poverty, nuclear, or coal and oil.

If you are afraid that carbon emissions are going to boil the planet (I'm not) then your only choice is between nuclear and poverty. Don't choose poverty.