A
new study by clean-tech research publisher Clean Edge and Co-op
America, a non-profit green-economy organization, has suggested that
the U.S. could attain production of 10% of its electricity requirements
via solar power by the year 2025. The Utility Solar Assessment (USA)
study provides a roadmap for use by utilities and regulators, as well
as solar power companies, which outlines the necessity for involvement
of utilities in scaling solar power in order to reach the 10% goal.
The study claims that solar power should be viewed as a cost-effective measure of electricity generation that can rival current electricity costs while steering away from the use of fossil fuels that are becoming more and more costly every day. The data in the study were compiled based on interviews with more than 30 solar, utility, financial, and policy experts.
Projections for solar energy prices are expected to decline from an average $5.50-$7.00 peak watt (15-32 cents kWh) today to $3.02-$3.82 peak watt (8-18 cents kWh) in 2015. A further decrease in cost to $1.43-$1.82 peak watt (4-8 cents kWh) is anticipated by 2025, according to the study.
A comprehensive “to-do” list was provided for each of the players (utilities, solar companies, regulators), outlining the steps that need to be taken by each in order to contribute to the combined effort and thereby to achieve the 10% goal by 2025. Further information on the study is available here.
By Síle Mc Mahon