Published 06-25-08
Submitted by Green America
WASHINGTON, D.C./PORTLAND, OR. - June 17, 2008 - A new study makes the case that solar power is emerging as a cost-effective hedge against fossil fuels and is likely to reach cost parity with retail-electricity rates in most regions of the U.S. in less than a decade.
The Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study, produced by the green-economy nonprofit, Co-op America, and clean-tech research and publishing firm, Clean Edge, provides a comprehensive roadmap for utilities, solar companies, and regulators to reach 10% solar in the U.S. by 2025. The report can be downloaded at www.cleanedge.com and www.solarcatalyst.org (Co-op America's solar program Web site).
The study finds that significantly scaling solar power in the U.S. will require the active involvement of utilities. The study delivers a to-do list for the three key stakeholders in the nation's solar industry. Among others, the action items include:
In just the past year, a number of utilities and solar companies have announced aggressive programs to deploy large-scale solar power projects, including Southern California Edison's plan to install 250 megawatts of distributed solar PV, Duke Energy's stated goal of investing $100 million in rooftop solar, and Pacific Gas & Electric's announcements to invest in thousands of megawatts of concentrating solar power in California's deserts. While these players are still in the vanguard, a number of other utilities are looking to join them to help bring solar power to scale "“ and the study shows that solar could become "ubiquitous" as with earlier semiconductor-based revolutions.
"As capital and fuel costs have doubled or tripled for coal, natural gas, and nuclear power over the past few years, solar power costs are coming down," explains Alisa Gravitz, Co-op America executive director and USA Study project director. "For the first time in history, cost-competitive solar power is now within the planning horizon of every utility in the nation."
The study, written by Pernick and Clean Edge contributing editor Clint Wilder, is based on interviews with more than 30 solar, utility, financial, and policy experts and leverages proprietary Clean Edge data on solar PV market size, cost and pricing history and projections, and other key market factors. The USA Study is available for free download at www.cleanedge.com and www.solarcatalyst.org.
About Co-op America
Co-op America is the nation's leading green-economy organization (501-c3) advancing marketplace solutions for America’s most serious social and environmental problems for more than 25 years. Co-op America's Solar Catalyst Program harnesses market forces to dramatically lower the price and accelerate the growth of solar energy worldwide for a secure, equitable, low-carbon energy future. Co-op America's other green-economy programs tackle climate change, build fair trade systems, encourage corporate responsibility, advance healthy, local communities, and provide green purchasing and investing information for families and businesses. For more information visit www.coopamerica.org and www.solarcatalyst.org.
About Clean Edge
Clean Edge, Inc., with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland, Ore., is a leading research and publishing firm that helps companies, investors, and policymakers understand and profit from clean technologies. Founded in 2000, Clean Edge and its network of partners and affiliates offer unparalleled intelligence and insight into the clean-tech sector. Among its many activities, the company publishes the annual Clean Energy Trends report, produces the annual Clean-Tech Investor Summit (along with IBF), and maintains the NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series (CELS) index, which track U.S.-listed clean-energy companies. To keep abreast of the latest clean-tech news, access industry reports, learn more about the annual summit and stock index, or sign up for Clean Edge's free e-newsletter, visit www.cleanedge.com.
Green America is United States' leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today's social and environmental problems. Green America's green economy programs encourage corporate responsibility, tackle climate change, build fair trading systems, advance healthy, local communities, and provide green purchasing and investing information for families and businesses. To receive Green America's popular publications, including the Green American and the National Green Pages™, participate in Green Festivals, or to get its free e-newsletter, providing the latest green news, green discounts, and opportunities to take action for a green economy, visit http://www.GreenAmerica.org, email info@GreenAmericaToday.org, or call at 800-58-GREEN.
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