At what point will it be cheaper for Americans to use solar over traditional electricity? What is that tipping point? John Farrell over at Energy Self Reliant States has mapped out a prediction of the solar grid growth over the next 20+ years. The map illustrates the path of solar parity or when solar electricity is less expensive than traditional energy production.
The analysis assumed that the cost of solar will decrease 7% a year and that grid electricity prices will increase by 2% a year. They also used the average residential rate for the core city of the metropolitan area for the calculation, and used the cost of solar in 2011 as the starting point- ($4.00 per Watt).
Check out the map for yourself, but their conclusion is good news for the solar fan- by 2018, it will be cheaper for 1in 6 Americans living in major metropolitan areas to choose solar energy over traditional power!
The analysis assumed that the cost of solar will decrease 7% a year and that grid electricity prices will increase by 2% a year. They also used the average residential rate for the core city of the metropolitan area for the calculation, and used the cost of solar in 2011 as the starting point- ($4.00 per Watt).
Check out the map for yourself, but their conclusion is good news for the solar fan- by 2018, it will be cheaper for 1in 6 Americans living in major metropolitan areas to choose solar energy over traditional power!
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