Discuss Rick Barnett's answer to: What is wrong with Plug Power inc.? It seems as though they should have one of the best answers for the future with their fuel cell products.

Fuel cells produce DC, which works well within a mile or so, and then you get major line losses.  That is why power utilities use AC.  They can pump AC for more than 1,000 miles and not lose much on the lines.

That is why you have AC in your home but your fuel cell only produces DC.  To get AC you need an inverter, which changes your DC to AC.  You will lose nearly a third of your DC power converting it to AC.

That's why you don't see many fuel cells.  They are great in cars though.