To recap there are three main characteristics of barriers to market for alternatives. They are; the number of barriers to overcome, the difficulty of overcoming those barriers and whether any barrier is insurmountable. As we go on from here we will see that there are four types of barriers any combination of which could be either too numerous, difficult or just plain impossible to overcome.

Types of Barriers

• Scientific - Will this substance do what we want it to do?
  
• Engineering - Can we overcome this scientific barrier with engineering?
  
• Economic - Will it be affordable? Will it be competitive?
  
• Business - Is there a margin? Is there something out there with fewer barriers?

You have to look at the political economy of technologies (on the market as well as in government and especially in the interplay between those). You can't stop the analysis at the point you come to the government.

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In the developed world, Solar IS Civil Defense, and on that scale, solar electric is already competitive.

Solar IS Civil Defense