The hole in the rooftop solar panel craze isn’t there
A recent Wall Street Journal article tried to make the case that while large scale solar energy installations is “good”, distributed scale / rooftop solar is “bad”. In the author’s thesis large scale solar provides more benefits at lower costs, and is thus a better use of capital and tax credits, while rooftop solar is a poor use of capital, creating the “hole in the rooftop solar panel-craze“. I posted a detailed rebuttal to the article elsewhere, and have updated it here. In short, when all the benefits of distributed generation are considered, it provides significant, and sufficient, value to continue, extend, and expand the use of tax incentives. Or put in the lexicon of the author, the hole in the rooftop solar-panel craze isn’t there.
This issue has taken on new and greater urgency since President Obama’s commencement address at the US Coast Guard Academy where he said “Climate change constitutes a serious threat to global security, an immediate risk to our national security, and make no mistake about it, it will impact how our military defends our country. And so we have to act, and we need to act now.”
Understand that when speaking to the Academy as Commander in Chief of the United States, The President’s words take on a different meaning. They are broad guidance and direction to the military on their mission. The military does not decide the mission, they create the plan to implement the broad mission set out by the CoC. Distributed solar energy one of the fastest and least expensive ways to combat the security risks created by climate change. More on this in another post.
Point by point, here is my rebuttal to the article.
- First, understand the bias. The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) the largest lobby group for utilities, and a behemoth in DC, is waging a war against DG (Distributed generation) solar, because we’re taking revenue from them under their current business model. They could change their business model (like Green Mountain Power), but generally are not.
- The author is wrong when he says that solar is hugely subsidized. DG Solar in most states has only the federal investment tax credit (residential or commercial flavors) to incentivize it. This is similar to, and perhaps lower cost, than the incentives provide to other forms of electric power generation and other energy forms.
- Net Metering, the process by which power companies buy solar at higher than “average”wholesale prices, has been extensively examined for “cross subsidization”. That means it has been studied to understand if a ratepayer without solar is unfairly paying higher costs to subsidize the ratepayer who has the benefit of solar. Good studies (and they are not all good) also look at whether the solar owner is subsidizing other non-solar ratepayers. This is actually a very complex study, and the results are legitimately different in different areas of the country.
But what is true is that some of these studies come out with subsidy going in one direction, and other studies come out with it going in the other direction. This is because solar power provides more than just raw electricity (kWh) to the utility grid. It provides distributed kWh, taking the load off of (potentially) over loaded transmission and distribution systems. Solar can provide “grid services” meaning it can assist in controlling the frequency and voltage along the lines. This has real and significant value on today’s grid, and utilities often pay for this service from other providers, but it is included “for free” as part of net metering. Another large component of value is the time of day that solar make electricity. It costs a utility different amounts to purchase power at different times of the day, on different days, and in different months. Power costs (to the utility) can vary from well below what a home owner pays, to many times what a home owner pays, due to the effects of weather, fuel prices, peak demand, and other factors. So the price paid from the utility to the solar owner can actually be far below the cost of other power purchased by the utility.
- The price paid for rooftop solar in a given location is usually NOT 3x higher (as stated in the article) than the price paid in that same location for power from large solar arrays. While there is a differential, it is usually in the 2x range. (And of course, the same tax incentives decried for use by residential solar still pertain to large scale solar. Different tax code section, same percent of cost). As noted above, there are also reasons why rooftop solar is more valuable to the utility. The article is correct that large solar power plants built in the southwest can generate electricity very inexpensively (as low as $0.05/kWh). However, the last I knew, North Carolina and Vermont did not wish to move to the southwest US, no reasonable proposal has been put forth for the mega-transmission required to move all our power cross country, and of course, that would add significant cost, decrease reliability, and change the economic balance of the states.
- Overall cost of installation on a residential rooftop is typically less than 3x, and as low as 2x, cost of large scale solar. (Just the facts from inside the industry.
- In the CA example of $0.17 vs $0.05, that does not include the cost of transmission, or the power losses in transmission. Transmission cost in CA is >$0.02 during peak. Losses can amount to >10%. Suddenly that $0.05 (from solar, or a gas plant, or any other form of generation) is now about $0.08, without providing the many very real and valuable local benefits.
- In short, Mr Potts appears to be carrying the water for EEI in their attack against the freedom for homeowners to install solar and generate their own power. He also ignores any and every benefit of DG solar.
We need a new energy generation infrastructure in the US. It is going to take every kind and type of generation to have us achieve our low carbon goals. The article portends that we could achieve this faster without DG. That would be trusting the utilities to implement something they have long opposed. DG solar, along with the many other benefits, also is working to force the utilities to move forward in energy, despite their centralized power dreams and desires. For our economy, and our national security, we need solar at every possible scale, across the country.
With thanks! A lot of material!
how do i purchace viagra cheapest price for generic viagra
viagra for sale uk
senator bob dole viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You’ve made your point very effectively..
can a psychiatrist prescribe viagra why once a day viagra
viagra online
regalis comparison levitra viagra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Perfectly voiced really. !
viagra canadian prescriptions generic viagra and generic drug
buy viagra
woman taking viagra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Position clearly taken!!
posso usare il viagra per prova staff meeting viagra slogans
viagra for sale uk
viagra and chemotherapy – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Great postings, Thanks!
viagra lawsuits settled in may 2010 silagra generic viagra cumwithuscom
viagra without a doctor prescription
nc women viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
This is nicely put. !
pharmacy india viagra cialis ribavirin and viagra in combination
generic viagra 100mg
edinburgh viagra search pages find – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Wonderful info. Regards!
viagra original use rude viagra jokes
viagra 100mg
viagra natrual – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Wonderful material. Thank you!
viagra recovery time viagra liquid
generic viagra
viagra work – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Cheers! Terrific information!
viagra eyesite viagra uk buy online
generic viagra online
on line viagra purchase – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Whoa many of amazing tips!
viagra and eating a meal buying viagra in london
viagra 100mg
natural alternatives and viagra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Incredible quite a lot of fantastic advice!
cuming on viagra viagra equivalent
buy viagra online
mechanism of viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You stated it effectively.
viagra k pes girls opinion of viagra
generic viagra 100mg
viagra and ecstacy and older men – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You revealed that very well!
new viagra pill active compound viagra
viagra online
generic online order viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Excellent write ups. Thanks.
can you mix viagra and phentermine buy pfizer viagra
viagra without a doctor prescription
viagra soft tabs next day – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Awesome data. Thanks a lot!
viva viagra wild horses viagra interaccion ibuprofeno
viagra without a doctor prescription
viagra serendipity – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Thanks a lot, Lots of tips!
viagra end of copyright side-effects viagra
buy viagra online
where can viagra be bought – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
This is nicely put! !
viagra healty improve prolong usfda patent expiration date for viagra
buy generic viagra
viagra best peice – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Many thanks! I value this.
free herbal viagra children taking viagra
viagra generic
qa viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Nicely put. Appreciate it.
photos of viagra users viagra boring pages edinburgh affects boring
buy viagra
viewtopic viagra – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Truly many of beneficial advice!
edinburgh uk viagra search computer find viagra box
generic viagra
online viagra purchasing – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You made your point extremely well..
horny goat weed vs viagra viagra online us news
generic viagra 100mg
jo wang viagra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You actually mentioned it really well.
are viagra is good solution viagra natural no risk
viagra online
green viagra – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Really all kinds of superb knowledge.
pen viagra uk viagra sales
viagra for sale uk
my boyfriend took viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Superb stuff. Kudos.
quick forum readtopic viagra answer generated get online viagra
generic viagra 100mg
americans hooked on viagra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Regards, A good amount of write ups.
will viagra improve ed over time buying viagra in the united kingdom
viagra pills
viagra online shop uk – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You reported it superbly!
online ed drugs viagra samples package online cheap viagra buy
viagra pills
viagra western union – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Terrific tips. Thanks a lot!
viagra geniric viagra home office
buy viagra
order viagra prescription – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Great write ups. Thank you.
generic viagra for women can you multiple erections with viagra
viagra online
herbal viagra in stores – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Whoa tons of fantastic info.
viagra sample india sex addiction and viagra
viagra online
viagra misleading – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Seriously loads of fantastic material.
penis size post viagra woman take viagra for men
cheap viagra
combine viagra and cialis effects – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You expressed it terrifically.
proper use of viagra viagra come funziona
viagra 100mg
order forms for buying viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Awesome material. Cheers!
paxil and viagra generic lunesta myonlinemedsbiz propecia viagra
cheap viagra
does watermelon have viagra effect – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Position very well applied.!
free sample of viagra pill purchase viagra online
generic viagra online
c-pill order viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You said it very well.!
confidential overnight shipping viagra overnight viagra telephone
viagra without a doctor prescription
50mg generic viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Thank you! I appreciate it.
hight inr level and viagra professional viagra cheap
cheap viagra
is there a female viagra – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Terrific postings, Thank you.
90 viagra viagra columbus
cheap viagra
reasons why viagra would be ineffective – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Very well voiced of course! !
viagra tie viagra treatment impotence
viagra 100mg
niagra to viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You reported this well.
viagra increases blood pressure foreign generic viagra
buy viagra
provigro vs viagra – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You mentioned it exceptionally well.
viagra fuck las vegas kamagra viagra about
viagra for women
viagra hardon – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Amazing a good deal of superb material.
female viagra wikipedia viagra and young adults
buy viagra
shop for viagra cheap – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Lovely write ups, Thank you.
pulmonary hypertension use of viagra drug interractions between flomax and viagra
generic viagra
hard erections without viagra – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Nicely expressed really. !
viagra counter act with lisinopril compare cilalis and viagra
cheap viagra
take too much viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Appreciate it. Ample forum posts!
genric viagra viagra hom eoffice toronto
generic viagra 100mg
viagra propecia – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Thank you. An abundance of info.
viagra cock ring what cars are in viagra commercials
generic viagra 100mg
facts on viagra – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Awesome info, Appreciate it.
viagra pages edinburgh boring search girl viagra alternative and woman
generic viagra
like viagra ebay – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You reported this perfectly.
chronic use of viagra lowest price for viagra online
viagra online
keywords viagra mp3 – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Well expressed without a doubt! .
take viagra before using penis pump taking viagra and pumping my penis
generic viagra 100mg
viagra comparison prices online – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Terrific postings. With thanks!
canadian viagra trial pack viagra for sale online
viagra without a doctors prescription
pornstars viagra flushing – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
This is nicely said. .
buy pfizer viagra ceneric viagra
viagra pills
viagra 1 – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Many thanks, I value this.
never mix viagra and steroids blueberries natures viagra
buy viagra
moms boyfriend on viagra fucking daughter – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Nicely put, Thanks.
patent expiration on viagra bootleg viagra from real
viagra 100mg
viagra and bodybuilding – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You said it adequately..
man dies from viagra overdose viagra and testim
generic viagra 100mg
microsoft and viagra – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You actually stated it wonderfully!
50mg viagra hosta rosedale viagra
generic viagra 100mg
cialis get viagra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Good posts. Regards.
generic viagra purchase viagra stories real people’s experiences pharmacy
buy generic viagra
viagra without a percription – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Kudos! Numerous stuff.
cialis generic lowest price viagra kidney transplant and viagra
viagra for women
how to inhance viagra’s effect – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Nicely expressed without a doubt! !
where to buy viagra in bangkok how long does viagra work
buy generic viagra
chiense viagra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Kudos! I value this.
distortion viagra viagra 250mg
viagra for women
tegra viagra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Awesome posts. Cheers!
matt lauer as the amazons viagra new viagra
viagra without a doctor prescription
international shipping order viagra – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Great stuff. Cheers!
argentina made viagra natural replacement for viagra
buy viagra
viagra versus levitra – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Incredible a good deal of great knowledge!
viagra u real viagra from canada
viagra for sale uk
fda approved viagra women – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You made your point pretty nicely..
free trial viagra sample russia status of viagra
generic viagra 100mg
lavt blodtryk potens viagra – https://genericviagrantx.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
You explained that wonderfully!
viagra sample packes viagra europe affiliates
viagra pills
counterfeit viagra infrared – https://genericviagramsl.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Thanks. I value it.
wicapedia ginaric viagra best prices on viagra
viagra 100mg
viagra viagra edinburgh search cialis charles – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Factor clearly considered..
can viagra hurt drug interactions flomax viagra
viagra pills
buy viagra online legitimate pharmacy – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade
Effectively expressed without a doubt. !
amazon viagra gay sleep viagra camera
generic viagra 100mg
becoming a viagra sell man – https://genericviagrarcp.com
DavidSkync
TerenceZiply
Victorjeade