[crazynick4]

Do you think it is possible to maintain solar/wind for an extended period of time given the reliance on rare earth minerals that it would create? Also one argument that I haven't heard answered is how to handle the non-biodegradable old solar panels/windmills that need to be replaced. These things definitely can be implemented but are they sustainable? Not a rhetorical question, I'd actually like to hear some opinions on this.

[worik]

"reliance on rare earth minerals" There are plenty in the ground. Some in hard to get to (politically/socially) places. They can be recovered from devices if that is a design criterion.

Windmills are generally made from metals which are recyclable, silicon is the major ingredient of solar cells - most common mineral on the planet. But they can be recycled too.

There is a lot of toxic waste generated using current technology, these are developing technologies which gives us a opportunity.

Having a fetish for the free market will not help. All this requires planning, and markets do not make plans.