Fusion is an energy alternative to coal. Wind is an energy alternative to solar, and vice versa. Things like that.

Right. I get that.

Your parent comment implies they would have an "energy alternative" to... energy.

When you say "A civilization so advanced as to be able to capture the entire energy of a star, probably also has energy alternatives".

What "energy alternatives" are you talking about?

> Your parent comment implies they would have an "energy alternative" to... energy.

No, not at all. A walking alternative is bicycling, not being a double amputee. A coffee alternative is tea, not dehydration.

"Energy Alternatives":

http://www.energyalternative.com/home.html

Wikipedia: Alternative Energy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_energy

A quote: "Alternative energy is an umbrella term that refers to any source of usable energy intended to replace fuel sources without the undesired consequences of the replaced fuels."

"The energy alternative":

http://www.theenergyalternative.com/

"Alternative Energy News":

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/

> What "energy alternatives" are you talking about?

Want more links?

Interestingly, you're talking about an energy alternative to solar. Do you have an example of one of those?

(My understanding is that solar is the alternative to things like coal)