At present, solar electricity supplies only about 0.23 per cent of American electricity generation. However, this could very easily skyrocket to 10 per cent in the next three decades.
This figure is based on a recent report released last Thursday by Environment America Research & Policy Centre. Some might think this projection is impossible to attain, but the author of the report says this objective can be achieved if the United States implement substantive policy goals for solar power energy.
These goals could include extending tax credits for American electricity generation from solar, inserting renewable energy goals into the government’s fight against global warming, initiating a number of federal policies, and funding research for new solar-related innovations.
New policies encouraging solar electricity
The report also suggests the implementation of ambitious policies to encourage solar energy adoption by state and local governments. These include providing incentives which will allow households with solar systems to sell their surplus electricity to the grid for the use of other consumers.
It can also include third-party sales of electricity. All these measures are designed to allow companies selling solar panels to also sell electricity to their customers, instead of just forcing consumers to go through public electric utilities.
10% electricity from solar an achievable goal
“We can get to 10 percent solar by 2030 if we just keep our foot on the accelerator,” says Rob Sargent, co-author of the report.
“That’s a small fraction of what’s possible, but it will make a big difference in the quality of our lives and our children’s future,” he adds.
Although this use of energy was believed to be impossible in the past, Environment America has found that solar power has increased 77 per cent in the last three years. This meant that even if the energy use grows only by 22 per cent, solar would still be able to attain the 10 per cent mark in less than 20 years.
“Given the growth over the last few years, getting to 10 percent of U.S. electricity from solar should happen far sooner than 2030,” says Jigar Shah, President of Generate Capital and a solar industry pioneer and.
Electricity goal seen as overly ambition to some critics
The report also enumerated some of the environmental benefits of having such lofty ambition. These benefits include 280 million metric tons of carbon leaving the atmosphere by 2030, which is the same as taking 59 million cars off the road.
“When it comes to solar energy, the sky’s the limit,” says Sargent. “Getting to 10 percent solar is the just the first step to a future powered by pollution-free energy.”
However, these solar goals may encounter problems in several states across the country. There are certain policies in some states that are being proposed that could hinder solar power if they are approved and implemented.
For instance, public utilities are actively fighting against solar subsidies as well as net metering. In addition, the American Legislative Exchange Council has been actively engaged in its efforts to get states to repeal their Renewable Portfolio Standards.
