Let’s all remember that solar PV systems eventually produce free energy and though the PV modules are warrantied for 25 years usually, the modules often produce electricity for years beyond that. My husband, Mark McCollom is fond of reminding folks that the United States has had solar modules in space, a much harsher environment than our own atmosphere, for 29+ years which are still producing energy. We funded our solar array on our house through a home equity loan, some folks borrow against their 401Ks while others financed through companies with steep rates. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) may become the quickest way to benefit from electricity generated by solar PV as mentioned in the Canary Media article here. The likelihood of rising electricity costs due loom large.
As stated within, the costs of solar PV systems themselves have fallen dramatically, but the “soft costs” remain stubbornly high. This is where new permitting software like SolarAPP+ would greatly reduce waiting times for new systems (from all sectors—residential, commercial, and industrial). The City of Dallas Environmental Commission’s Implementation Subcommittee (who yours truly chairs) sent a briefing memo to the Parks, Trails Parks, Trails and Environment Committee of the Dallas City Council (with unanimous approval by @Environmental Commission the Environmental Commission) back in November 2023 to immediately adopt Solar APP+ which reduces approval to a day, instead of the 30-45 day permitting approval time for most solar arrays. No action yet.
“According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the cost of U.S. residential solar systems fell from an average of $8.60 to $2.70 per watt from 2010 to 2023, a 69% decline.
“It’s now more affordable to install rooftop solar in large part because solar panels themselves have simply gotten much cheaper. While tariffs have bumped up U.S. prices in recent years, solar equipment costs now represent only a fraction of total installation costs.
“Instead, it’s the “soft costs” — acquiring customers, designing systems to meet households’ needs, navigating lengthy permitting processes, securing utility interconnections, and offering long-term maintenance and operations support — that dictate the price tag of a system in the U.S. It’s in those areas that the industry will need to improve in order to make solar more affordable once tax credits disappear.
“As Walker noted, state and local governments can be extremely helpful in driving down those costs. States have passed laws to streamline solar project permitting, and cities and counties have installed “instant permitting” software platforms that can dramatically cut wait times and administrative costs. Some utilities are starting to offer incentives to customers that enlist solar and battery systems in “virtual power plant” programs that reduce grid stresses and utility costs.”
Meanwhile, the solar installation industry is set to go through a weeding out of installation contractors that are not well positioned to ride out the recent market turbulence. Attempting to mitigate job losses in the solar industry, Green Careers Texas has added Building Performance Institute, Inc.‘s Building Science Principles course for each trainee. This certificate level course is an entry-level pathway to jobs in energy efficiency and weatherization work. The course is also beneficial for those working in architecture, construction and environmental sustainability. Please contact us if you’d like to offer the 8-hour course to your employees (info@greencareerstexas.org).
“There are basically only two ways to reduce and control your energy costs,” Solar United Neighbors’ Brand said. “One is to use less energy, through energy efficiency, insulation in your home, more efficient appliances, etc. The other is to reduce your fuel costs. With solar, your fuel costs are zero.’ ”
Don’t give up on solar plus battery storage. These have had a huge impact reducing burden on the Texas power grid during highest demand and are the majority of new energy sources installed in recent years providing the extra win of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Rising utility rates themselves are also a counterweight to losing tax credits. The megabill’s cuts to clean energy incentives are expected to force utility rates upward by increasing the cost and restricting the expansion of solar, wind, and batteries, which make up the vast majority of new generation that can be added quickly to the grid, at a time of spiking demand for power from data centers, factories, and broader economic growth.”
Solar PV is still the cheapest and among the fastest way to produce energy. The big bonus—it’s from a free source—the sun. Weatherization and energy efficiency prevent the use of any unnecessary electricity—aka $$. These are simple, straightforward and fast solutions.