Solar

Cost Savings Generated by Solar Power

Solar power is not yet cost competitive with non-renewable energy sources, nor with wind. However rebates and tax incentives have made utility scale solar much more cost effective than in the past, and technological advancements will only continue to decrease costs in the future. Solar power, like all renewables uses a free fuel source, which means that as technology advancements create cost savings, those savings can be translated into lower prices for consumers.

Economic Benefits of Solar Power for Colorado

CIEA has eight members who are in the business of developing and owning solar projects in Colorado. They now own more than 20 MW of solar generating capacity in Colorado. These utility scale solar plants employ Colorado residents and generate substantial tax revenue for Colorado and several of its counties.

Environmental Advantages of Solar Power

Like other renewable energy sources, solar emits no GHGs, like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and others, in contrast with fossil fuels. It also reduces waste that occurs when coal is used to produce electricity. The waste generated by the coal process from mining to electric generation means that only around 35% of coal put into the system actually generates electricity, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Based on those statistics, a solar system as a whole is more efficient, even if individual solar cells are not.

Reliability of Solar Power

The sun does not always shine, but less sunlight is required than many people think for solar panels to generate electricity. More sunlight is always better, but it is worth noting that Germany, a nation with the equivalent sun light of Alaska, has the most solar panel installations in the world. By comparison, a state like Colorado has good sun resources, and is a suitable location for utility-scale solar. As with wind forecasting, solar forecasting allows utilities to purchase the appropriate amount of solar power for the grid in the absence of effective storage. As storage technologies for solar improve, the potential exists for solar power to be used for electricity on a more expanded basis.