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The solar industry in the United States had a fabulous second quarter of 2014 in terms of new installations in the residential, non-residential and utility sectors. Solar is rapidly approaching the capacity of mainstream energy production!
It's also still heavily subsidized by the government, without that it would fizzle out completely except for off the grid like the back woods of Alaska.
It's also still heavily subsidized by the government, without that it would fizzle out completely except for off the grid like the back woods of Alaska.
Well, I don't think this is accurate any longer, either... the fizzle out part, I mean. Although it is still a small percentage of the total, it is now growing rapidly all over the country, and I think the momentum will continue to build as the technology gets cheaper and cheaper. You can now regularly find PV panels for sale for $1 a watt or less. People who are concerned about the state of our environment are highly motivated to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels for energy, and the lower costs for solar systems have made it more and more practical to do so.
On the Big Island of Hawai'i, where until a few years ago 100% of the fuel had to be shipped at least 2,500 miles, the electric utility is approaching 50% of its power coming from renewable sources, including a large portion from rooftop solar. In Texas, Austin Energy just signed a 25 year contract to purchase solar powered electicity from a bidder at under 5 cents per kWh, and later the City Council declared solar energy to be the default preferred source for all electricity purchased by the city. In the California desert the largest solar energy plant in the world just came on line.
In places where it is practical to put solar energy equipment, people are realizing that harvesting free, renewable energy that comes from the sky, and doesn't pollute the air and water is a smart investment in a better world.
I like my wind energy just fine, at this point I have no issue paying for a reduced alternative energy. If I choose to go alone off the grid I would purchase solar.
Apparently that 1% is enough to start sending jitters down the backs of power company executives though... And states are starting to allow the power company to charge for connecting PV arrays to the grid. (I agree with that BTW, I don't mind paying for what I use, as long as it is reasonable) If this wasn't a big deal, it wouldn't be a big deal in the legislatures of many states right now.
Apparently that 1% is enough to start sending jitters down the backs of power company executives though... And states are starting to allow the power company to charge for connecting PV arrays to the grid. (I agree with that BTW, I don't mind paying for what I use, as long as it is reasonable) If this wasn't a big deal, it wouldn't be a big deal in the legislatures of many states right now.
And if it wasn't such a big deal, you wouldn't have states like Florida holding the whole state back... in an area where solar power can be particularly effective!.
Silly number. The installed base of the industry is huge and takes years to turn over. The important measure is new installations. About 50% of those are from renewable resource.
I have a two car garage I want to heat. The house is on a quarter of an acre lot in a typical suburban neighborhood. What is a practical renewable approach to do it? I read how cheap and widespread renewables have become but when it comes to actually help an individual homeowner it falls short.
The bulk of new solar comes from lease operations. You as the consumer get locked into a 20 year lease, the company, not the consumer, gets the solar credit, and the company also gets a solar subsidy, as well as other IRS deductions.
At this point, purchase of a solar unit for your home is not practical based on costs, return. You get a much bigger return on your bucks with radiant barrier, replacement windows, extra insulation, etc.
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