Solar Power
Facts and Figures
- Solar power produced 0.01% of the U.S. electricity supply in 2005 (Energy Information Administration);
- Photovoltaic solar installations currently produce power at a cost of 26-35 cents per kilowatt hour (U.S. Solar Energy Industry Association);
- Utility scale Concentrated Solar Power installations produce power at a cost of 9-12 cents per kilowatt hour.
Cost of Increased Use 8
The price of solar panels, as well as the additional transmission infrastructure cost for utility scale concentrated solar power installations, remains prohibitive.
Environmental Impact 1
Solar power generation probably has the least environmental impact of any known energy source.
National Security 1
There are no known national security issues associated with solar power use.
Implementation 3
Solar power could be adopted quite rapidly if users are willing to pay for it, or if new technology makes solar energy more affordable.
Political Toxicity 2
Solar power received incentives in recent legislation, and appears to be politically popular.
Pros of Use
- The sun is the most abundant energy source in our galaxy, and solar energy is environmentally friendly and sustainable;
- Individuals can offset some (or all) of their power consumption, and perhaps even provide power to the grid;
- Generally the times of day with greatest solar power potential coincide well with "peak loads" (times of greatest use);
- Utility scale Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) installations are proven technologies with proven favorable economics when placed in high solar potential areas.
Cons of Use
- Solar panels are still prohibitively expensive for the average American (despite incentives);
- While good sites for solar installations are often close to load centers, additional electricity transmission infrastructure will still be needed (estimated to cost about $2.3 million per mile).
Barriers to Future Use
- Utility scale CSP installations are only economically feasible in certain areas of the country, some of which are not near large load centers;
- Current silicon-based solar panels are expensive.
Incentives/Technology Breakthroughs Needed
- Research is ongoing on flexible cell solar panels that do not use silicon in their construction, providing a potentially much less costly alternative;
- Incentives must work to improve the value of solar energy by monetarily acknowledging the avoidance of fossil fuel use;
- Since 2006, the solar industry has enjoyed a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the projected cost. More federal tax credits are needed to stimulate greater investment.
Most Important Fact
Silicon based solar panels remain expensive sources of power, at 25-36 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to a national average of 10.65 cents per kilowatt hour.
Bottom Line
Solar power holds the potential for both incremental gains as a power source for individual home owners as well as utility scale concentrated solar power installations. Location and equipment costs remain primary concerns. Breakthroughs in solar cell design (particularly in materials) could pave the way for cost competitive solar installations across the country.
