Solar electricity is now cheaper than running gas peaking generators. But the normal metric of Dollars per Watt would not tell us that. In a Sunpower study, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) is used for comparison. It is measured in $/kWh over the lifetime of the system. It is (total cost of system) / (amount of kWh produced). See the Sunpower paper for a detailed explanation.
2011 SCHOTT Solar Barometer – download here.
This movie describes the exciting possibility of a global switch to 100% renewable energy sources within the next 30 years. The film’s interviewees–a prominent environmental activist, Nobel laureates, innovative businessmen and politicians–tell us and show us what can be done. Through recent advances in technology, it is now possible for the human race to switch to a 100% free energy, renewable economy. Filmed in ten countries over four years, THE 4TH REVOLUTION examines the ways in which individuals can take control of their energy needs and asks whether, as a global community, we can summon the will to institute large-scale change. This film also demonstrates the tremendous opportunities provided by the energy revolution, including sustainable economic development and social and economic fairness.
Filmed in Germany, Bangladesh, Denmark, Mali, New Zealand, USA, Latin America.
A recent screening of the movie was Wed Sept 28 at 6:30 – 9:00 at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles. Ron Nichols – General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was on the podium after the showing and gave a good overview of the activities of LADWP. The utility recently restarted its solar program after stopping it in April when too many requests had overwhelmed the system. The program now pays $2.20/Watt for solar installations instead of the $3.25 in April. This is still more than other utilities in California, but due to LADWPs low electricity costs, some solar companies doubted they could do the business. At this point about 50% of installed systems are leases. LADWP currently has 0.2% solar energy and expects it to rise somewhere above 5.5% by 2020.
It is very difficult for the municipally owned utility to raise rates, even a $0.75 raise of the monthly bill has met strong opposition. That makes it doubtful to invest in a FIT, which could raise rates by $2. Conservation efforts are 3-5 times cheaper than solar installation. He sees the need to change customers behavior and attitudes. The utility will have to change 70% of its power generation by 2020, resulting in a 40-50% rate increase over the next 9 years. But the rate is considerably below other California utilities. Public education programs are sorely needed and the California Energy Commission is in charge of that, as are we all.
Go Solar L.A. LADWP Solar Incentive Program Reopens to Strong Response – Studio City, CA Patch.
A total of 248 applications have been initiated in the first 4 days since the program relaunched. The $7.4 million in incentives requested from the first 112 applicant count against the $40 million available this calendar year.
Solar power in California is still a hot topic – Los Angeles Times.
A great overview article on solar in the LA Times.
The push for innovation is likely to continue here, where demand has long been strong. California accounts for half of all solar installations in the country. And since 2006, the number of solar installations in L.A. has increased 1,594%.
Solar generators could meet most of the world’s electricity demand by 2060, and half of all energy needs according to the International Energy Agency IEA.
IEA: Solar Energy Could Produce Majority Of World’s Energy By 2060.
Running your home on sunshine is cheaper – Amy Hoak’s Home Economics – MarketWatch.
… In general, the total cost each month for their customers is equal to or less than what that customer would otherwise pay for an electric bill…..
“In Oakland I learned that some kind of opposition you have to crush,” the former Oakland mayor said. “You can talk, but you have to move forward.”
video at: Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. – Multimedia.
California Leads the Nation
95,371 solar projects
947 megawatts installed
$8.43 avg cost/watt <10kW
$7.42 avg cost/watt >10kW
last updated: 8.03.11 via California Solar Statistics.
Los Angeles DWP to relaunch Solar Incentive Program Sept. 1 – latimes.com.
The Department of Water and Power will resume accepting applications for the program Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. and the rebate amount will be $2.00 to $2.20 per watt.