Ok, I figure I would share this info graph with everyone from US-based Union of Concerned Scientists regarding the jaw-dropping growth of US rooftop solar energy since the start of 21st Century.
Consider this:
In 2005, the average rooftop solar system cost $40,000. However by 2013, a roof based solar power plant would cost $20,000. If customers decide to lease a solar system, installations costs are $0.00. Examples of companies providing leasing options for those wanting to go solar include SolarCity and Vivant Solar.
Add by 2017, more than 50% of US states will have solar electricity prices cheaper than local utilities. Currently, many states, including California, Texas, Arizona have prices as affordable as the grid.
What’s more impressive is how many households have gone solar. In 2006, 30,000 households had added a solar system to their home. By 2013, those numbers reached 400,000. By 2020, depending estimates, range from 900,000 to 3.8 million homes going solar.
So what has drove solar’s ascension? Here are three critical reasons.
1. Climate change concerns and mitigating risk.
2. Declining solar costs (and even more proof here).
3. US Government tax credit policy.
Without all three, I don’t think you would see the disruption you are seeing in the US utility sector.
So what does Canada have to do to duplicate the United States growth?
Feel free to email me at adamjwpg@mymts.net your thoughts. You may also contact me on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
Adam M. Johnston, B.A. 