IEA says Solar is now cheapest electricity in history now because

[prosperity4all]

shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar is now cheapest electricity in history says International Energy Agency

Solar is now ‘cheapest electricity in history’, confirms IEA

Solar Is Cheapest Energy: Renewable Energy Cost

Solar is now the 'cheapest electricity in history', report says



shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar energy will save USA $321,000,000,000.01

100% renewable energy will save Americans $321 billion – study


shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar hydrogen energy now?

because

A new material is able to create hydrogen fuel from seawater




Hydrogen supercar company Hyperion bringing 700 jobs to Columbus


https://www.bizjournals.com/columbu...car-company-hyperion-brining-700-jobs-to.html

hydrogen power commercial aircraft

hydrogen powered trucks


Toyota To Make Fuel Cell Modules For Hydrogen Big Rigs At Kentucky Plant

 

[ottawak]

shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar is now cheapest electricity in history says International Energy Agency

Solar is now ‘cheapest electricity in history’, confirms IEA

Solar Is Cheapest Energy: Renewable Energy Cost

Solar is now the 'cheapest electricity in history', report says



shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar energy will save USA $321,000,000,000.01

100% renewable energy will save Americans $321 billion – study


shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar hydrogen energy now?

because

A new material is able to create hydrogen fuel from seawater

No, because renewable energy is part of the atheistic socialist totalitarian agenda and we can't let them get a foot in the door.

 

[Fantine]

Electricity that is free after a 7 to 10.year investment means lots less money for politicians' fat cat friends (or in the case of coal baron Manchin, his own bottom line.)
It does however mean more money for the people politicians are supposed to represent, money to be used in other productive pursuits.

 

[ottawak]

Electricity that is free after a 7 to 10.year investment means lots less money for politicians' fat cat friends (or in the case of coal baron Manchin, his own bottom line.)
It does however mean more money for the people politicians are supposed to represent, money to be used in other productive pursuits.

The legacy energy interests are all looking into renewables. As soon as they figure out how to dominate those technologies then we will have them.

 

[Fantine]

And by "dominate" they mean "monetize?" Hmm.

 

[dqhall]

shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar is now cheapest electricity in history says International Energy Agency

Solar is now ‘cheapest electricity in history’, confirms IEA

Solar Is Cheapest Energy: Renewable Energy Cost

Solar is now the 'cheapest electricity in history', report says



shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar energy will save USA $321,000,000,000.01

100% renewable energy will save Americans $321 billion – study


shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar hydrogen energy now?

because

A new material is able to create hydrogen fuel from seawater




Hydrogen supercar company Hyperion bringing 700 jobs to Columbus


https://www.bizjournals.com/columbu...car-company-hyperion-brining-700-jobs-to.html

hydrogen power commercial aircraft

hydrogen powered trucks


Toyota To Make Fuel Cell Modules For Hydrogen Big Rigs At Kentucky Plant

Since these articles were written, the price of polysilicon has risen 300% and many solar projects may be cancelled. People in my area are not installing solar.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/26/mor...atened-by-spiking-costs-new-report-finds.html

 

[Ponderous Curmudgeon]

Since these articles were written, the price of polysilicon has risen 300% and many solar projects may be cancelled. People in my area are not installing solar.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/26/mor...atened-by-spiking-costs-new-report-finds.html

Your point?
Yes, one more place that covid has disrupted the supply chain and lack of skilled workers is slowing construction. It took me almost a year to get an Air Source Heat Pump system installed and demand is high so they are still relatively expensive but it still saves money and energy and polysilicon will come down in price once the bottlenecks are resolved and capacity increases.

 

[Fantine]

And what did we say about oil companies getting on the bandwagon when they could figure out how to cash in?

 

[disciple Clint]

shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar is now cheapest electricity in history says International Energy Agency

Solar is now ‘cheapest electricity in history’, confirms IEA

Solar Is Cheapest Energy: Renewable Energy Cost

Solar is now the 'cheapest electricity in history', report says



shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar energy will save USA $321,000,000,000.01

100% renewable energy will save Americans $321 billion – study


shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar hydrogen energy now?

because

A new material is able to create hydrogen fuel from seawater




Hydrogen supercar company Hyperion bringing 700 jobs to Columbus


https://www.bizjournals.com/columbu...car-company-hyperion-brining-700-jobs-to.html

hydrogen power commercial aircraft

hydrogen powered trucks


Toyota To Make Fuel Cell Modules For Hydrogen Big Rigs At Kentucky Plant

I did not review all the propaganda but I believe the cheapest is still hydro and reactor.

 

[Ponderous Curmudgeon]

I did not review all the propaganda but I believe the cheapest is still hydro and reactor.

probably depends on lifespan, but where are we going to find significant hydro and we still haven't solved the disposal problem for fission so that cost is definitely unknown but high so far.

 

[Trogdor the Burninator]

In Australia right now, if companies are bidding to supply power to the grid, it's often cheaper for them to go to the bank, borrow money, build a solar plant and then supply electricity than it is for the existing 30 year old, already-paid-for coal-fired plant to supply it.

As a consequence, coal-fired power stations are closing earlier than was originally planned, and regardless of any environmental legislation, simply because they're expensive to run and they can no longer compete.

 

[HannahT]

shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar is now cheapest electricity in history says International Energy Agency

Solar is now ‘cheapest electricity in history’, confirms IEA

Solar Is Cheapest Energy: Renewable Energy Cost

Solar is now the 'cheapest electricity in history', report says



shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar energy now?

because

Solar energy will save USA $321,000,000,000.01

100% renewable energy will save Americans $321 billion – study


shouldn't USA politicians have the courage to push towards solar hydrogen energy now?

because

A new material is able to create hydrogen fuel from seawater




Hydrogen supercar company Hyperion bringing 700 jobs to Columbus


https://www.bizjournals.com/columbu...car-company-hyperion-brining-700-jobs-to.html

hydrogen power commercial aircraft

hydrogen powered trucks


Toyota To Make Fuel Cell Modules For Hydrogen Big Rigs At Kentucky Plant

It would be nice if we could use just solar energy, but what happens when you don't have sun? There are many places in which you have cloud cover for days on end.

The panels are getting there as far as efficiency, but it only captures 20% (on the high end) of the electricity.

The cost? Not so many families can come up with $20,000 + to install this, and then wait 20 years for them to recoup the costs.

About 100 square feet of roof space is required for every 1 kW of conventional solar panels. Where are the bigger cities with much smaller dwellings going to come up with ROOM for enough panels to service them?

Practically speaking, once a solar energy system is installed on a home or business, it's nearly impossible to transport. Theoretically, it is possible to transfer PV solar panels if you move into a new home, but it’s rarely advised. You have to move? You are better off leaving your $20,000+ investment behind, and have to purchase another one.

I think the technology is getting there, but its not something we can rely solely on right now. It could be in the future once advancements are made.

 

[prosperity4all]

using Gravity to store solar energy

 

[Ponderous Curmudgeon]

using Gravity to store solar energy

That's nice, so the cost of the raw material is low and relatively stable. The panels are down to a dollar a watt and so competitive with other sources of electricity.

 

[SimplyMe]

It would be nice if we could use just solar energy, but what happens when you don't have sun? There are many places in which you have cloud cover for days on end.

The panels are getting there as far as efficiency, but it only captures 20% (on the high end) of the electricity.

The cost? Not so many families can come up with $20,000 + to install this, and then wait 20 years for them to recoup the costs.

About 100 square feet of roof space is required for every 1 kW of conventional solar panels. Where are the bigger cities with much smaller dwellings going to come up with ROOM for enough panels to service them?

Practically speaking, once a solar energy system is installed on a home or business, it's nearly impossible to transport. Theoretically, it is possible to transfer PV solar panels if you move into a new home, but it’s rarely advised. You have to move? You are better off leaving your $20,000+ investment behind, and have to purchase another one.

I think the technology is getting there, but its not something we can rely solely on right now. It could be in the future once advancements are made.

Actually, there are federal programs that help make solar available to the "average homeowner," as well as long term loans available that bring down the monthly cost. I noticed Texas currently has a program offering "free" solar to homeowners, to help with their power grid issues/shortages.

I'd say their are two issues for the "average homeowner" as to whether solar can work for them. First, as you point out, they need to have adequate sun (both in terms of a roof area where there are no obstructions, such as trees, that block sunlight and limited cloudy days). Next, their local electric provider has to have a "fair" program for solar power.

What many electric providers do is "pay" homeowners for their excess energy generated at the same cost as they buy electricity from the utility. This allows homeowners to "sell" their excess power, which they sell during "peak" hours (daytimes tend to be high usage) and then get "free" energy at night (using the credit from the excess power generated) when the sun is down (which tend to be lower usage times).

One issue solar homeowners face is that the utility companies only want to pay the wholesale rate (what they pay to electric plants for electricity) but then have the homeowner buy it back at the retail rate -- meaning homeowners "lose" money on the excess power they generate. In these cases, batteries are more advantageous (so you aren't losing money when selling electricity and then buying back) which is what greatly increases the price of home solar and can make it unaffordable for the "average homeowner."

 

[Ponderous Curmudgeon]

Actually, there are federal programs that help make solar available to the "average homeowner," as well as long term loans available that bring down the monthly cost. I noticed Texas currently has a program offering "free" solar to homeowners, to help with their power grid issues/shortages.

I'd say their are two issues for the "average homeowner" as to whether solar can work for them. First, as you point out, they need to have adequate sun (both in terms of a roof area where there are no obstructions, such as trees, that block sunlight and limited cloudy days). Next, their local electric provider has to have a "fair" program for solar power.

What many electric providers do is "pay" homeowners for their excess energy generated at the same cost as they buy electricity from the utility. This allows homeowners to "sell" their excess power, which they sell during "peak" hours (daytimes tend to be high usage) and then get "free" energy at night (using the credit from the excess power generated) when the sun is down (which tend to be lower usage times).

One issue solar homeowners face is that the utility companies only want to pay the wholesale rate (what they pay to electric plants for electricity) but then have the homeowner buy it back at the retail rate -- meaning homeowners "lose" money on the excess power they generate. In these cases, batteries are more advantageous (so you aren't losing money when selling electricity and then buying back) which is what greatly increases the price of home solar and can make it unaffordable for the "average homeowner."

Ultimately, utilities buying at wholesale and reselling at retail is what must happen, but then you will be buying storage for this differential. The current environment of retail for retail cannot continue forever but as it was intended it has encouraged solar installation and brought it into an economic reality. And then there is the cost of maintaining the lines to deliver the electricity, that is currently nearly as large as what I pay for the electricity itself.
It is all economics and we need to work out reasonable solutions.

 

[HannahT]

Actually, there are federal programs that help make solar available to the "average homeowner," as well as long term loans available that bring down the monthly cost. I noticed Texas currently has a program offering "free" solar to homeowners, to help with their power grid issues/shortages.

Yes, I have seen those programs an loans/grants/etc. Our neighbor is waiting to move after the federal program she took part in has expired, and then they plan to retire to a smaller house.

In our current economic climate I'm not so sure to many 'average homeowners' would jump at this right now. With increasing prices on everything - besides gas and food - not many will wish to take on a loan to get this done. We are talking over $20,000+ here. Even if you get some help from a Federal program, and with interest rates due to go higher? That loan could turn expensive for them even then.

Personally, when solar becomes more affordable once technology catches up? You will see more participation IMO. Even the price of the batteries you mentioned to store electricity can be costly, and no doubt the price will go down in time once its more doable. I have no idea how shortages are effecting prices for these setups at this either. I'm sure it is, because its happening everywhere. Our son works for a major window company, and even they are having problems getting general supplies for manufacturing.

I think the technology is exciting, but it needs to grow a bit more before it can really take off. lol I have been using solar panels for our trail cameras and outdoor lights for years now. We would need more than just average homeowners to really make a dent, but its time will come IMO.

 

[Ponderous Curmudgeon]

Yes, I have seen those programs an loans/grants/etc. Our neighbor is waiting to move after the federal program she took part in has expired, and then they plan to retire to a smaller house.

In our current economic climate I'm not so sure to many 'average homeowners' would jump at this right now. With increasing prices on everything - besides gas and food - not many will wish to take on a loan to get this done. We are talking over $20,000+ here. Even if you get some help from a Federal program, and with interest rates due to go higher? That loan could turn expensive for them even then.

Personally, when solar becomes more affordable once technology catches up? You will see more participation IMO. Even the price of the batteries you mentioned to store electricity can be costly, and no doubt the price will go down in time once its more doable. I have no idea how shortages are effecting prices for these setups at this either. I'm sure it is, because its happening everywhere. Our son works for a major window company, and even they are having problems getting general supplies for manufacturing.

I think the technology is exciting, but it needs to grow a bit more before it can really take off. lol I have been using solar panels for our trail cameras and outdoor lights for years now. We would need more than just average homeowners to really make a dent, but its time will come IMO.

Unfortunately, it is another one of those things that currently benefits the well to do. It is already cost effective over the life of a system but you have to be in an economic position to be able to afford a 20-30 thousand dollar loan over 20 years. For people just making it, no bank will give them a loan, but if you have disposable cash, it is a great deal.
This is where the government comes in as they can help those who could benefit most but are least likely to otherwise afford it.

 

[Opdrey]

It would be nice if we could use just solar energy, but what happens when you don't have sun? There are many places in which you have cloud cover for days on end.

I live in the Pacific Northwest and yes my efficiency drops in our usual cloudy winter days but overall I average about 1000kwH excess over what I use month over month all year long.

The cost? Not so many families can come up with $20,000 + to install this, and then wait 20 years for them to recoup the costs.

Yeah the cost is still steep. That's why I think those who can should be encouraged to do so (in other words ALEC needs to stop drafting laws to kill net metering) and then supplement the grid with a lot of solar-generated power.

About 100 square feet of roof space is required for every 1 kW of conventional solar panels. Where are the bigger cities with much smaller dwellings going to come up with ROOM for enough panels to service them?

I had a 3kW system on my last house and a 5kW system on this one. We don't live in a huge home and it's never really been a problem.

Practically speaking, once a solar energy system is installed on a home or business, it's nearly impossible to transport.

When I move I don't take my furnace either.

I think the technology is getting there, but its not something we can rely solely on right now. It could be in the future once advancements are made.

It could be a big part of the future NOW if we had the collective will and we didn't have conservative groups trying to gut net metering.

 

[Ponderous Curmudgeon]

I live in the Pacific Northwest and yes my efficiency drops in our usual cloudy winter days but overall I average about 1000kwH excess over what I use month over month all year long.



Yeah the cost is still steep. That's why I think those who can should be encouraged to do so (in other words ALEC needs to stop drafting laws to kill net metering) and then supplement the grid with a lot of solar-generated power.



I had a 3kW system on my last house and a 5kW system on this one. We don't live in a huge home and it's never really been a problem.



When I move I don't take my furnace either.



It could be a big part of the future NOW if we had the collective will and we didn't have conservative groups trying to gut net metering.

Net metering is ultimately unsustainable, it needs to be phased out for this reason. However, people who bought in when net metering was in force should have that discount carried forward for the life of that system. This will change the economics obviously, but we still have to support the infrastructure that makes cloudy days reasonable unless every system is off grid.

Beyond that, the next thing is to integrate Electric Vehicles into the grid. Talk about battery capacity that is not generally used at night.