CALIFORNIA GROWING SOLAR

Early on there were problems but, according to this, the California Solar Initiative (Governor Arnold's "Million Solar Roofs") is beginning to shine. If this is inaccurate, NewEnergyNews wants to hear from its readers in the solar energy industry.

Power burst; Bay Area and state warm up to solar energy, survey says
David R. Baker, July 18, 2007 (SF Chronicle)

WHO
NorCal Solar, California Energy Commission, solar energy installers and consumers

WHAT
Non-profit NorCal Solar’s survey shows solar energy growing in acceptance and productivity in California despite higher than market costs.
Is California ahead of the curve again? (click to enlarge)

WHEN
- Survey released July 17.
- 2017: Gov. Arnold’s goal of 10 times growth in solar.

WHERE
Survey reported on the growth of solar energy in California.

WHY
- Overcoming a difficult start, the $3.3 billion California Solar Initiative rebate/incentive program is now reportedly rapidly expanding the state’s solar energy capacity.
- The San Francisco Bay Area produces enough electricity for 61,725 homes, using 1 megawatt=750 homes. State capacity: 336 megawatts (equal to a “mid-size power plant.”). July 17: CA used 37,901 megawatts of electricity, making solar less than 1%.
- Home system: 2-3 kilowatts. $9,500/kilowatt w/o state/federal incentives, $7,500 with.
- Primary drawback: $2.8 billion installation cost, much more than a natural gas power plant of same capacity.
- Drawbacks to natural gas plant: It requires ongoing supply of gas and it generates greenhouse gases (GHGs).
- The California Energy Commission disputes NorCal’s statistics, claiming only 217 megawatts have been installed.


QUOTES
- Liz Merry, program manager, NorCal Solar: "This report shows huge growth…We're at a very exciting time right now. The demand is really strong… I always say to (skeptics), 'Well, what is your option?' How do you want to start getting rid of CO{-2} emissions and adding to our energy infrastructure?"
- James Sweeney, energy economist, Stanford University: "This is not a cheap technology…It is anything but."
- Tom McCalmont, owner/installer, REgrid Power: "It was economic, like 'I want to get rid of my bill…In recent years, it's much more, 'I'm concerned about climate change. I've seen Al Gore's movie.' "
- Benjamin Yee, homeowner: "The price held me back, because it is a big chunk, but I'm glad I did it…It makes me feel good."