Solar Rooftop Infrastructure Forecast

Study Finds Rooftops Could Support Vast U.S. Market for Solar Power

The Energy Foundation, of San Francisco, has conducted a study on the potential of U.S. rooftop infrastructure to provide ample space to power our energy demand with photovoltaic solar electric systems. The conclusions are very positive, indicating that by the end of 2010 solar prices should be competitive with electric supply from various current non-renewable sources. Read onward to see one reason to look forward to the sunny days ahead.

Navigant Consulting Conducts Solar Power Study

The San Francisco Energy Foundation published a study performed by Navigant Consulting, Inc on March 1, 2005. The study concludes that if the solar industry can reach escape velocity pricing of $2.00 to $2.50 per watt that enough solar power equipment would sell annually to power half a million US homes. These projected sales, based on tentative expectations of improved efficiency and pricing, coupled by a past history of 36% annual compounded growth, would produce an additional 2,900 Megawatts of Solar Electricity annually by 2010. The study also concluded that sufficient rooftop space is available to sustain these growth levels for many decades to come.

These numbers are substantial, and based on the findings of this study, one may conclude that in the future, a significant portion of electricity usage will one day be supplied by solar power, for both commercial and residential buildings. Pundits, such as David Wooley, VP of the Energy Foundation believe these findings justify state and federal support to stimulate PV sales, manufacturing, and continued research.

Below: This solar power rooftop array efficiently utilizes otherwise unused rooftop space to convert sunlight into electrical power through photovoltaics.

Highlights from Solar Power Study

Here are some highlights from the study:
-Assuming the price is reduced to $2.00 to $2.50 per watt, the annual market for PV will grow to $6.6 billion (in both hardware and labor). This represents an additional 2,900 MW per year.
-The US currently has the capacity to produce 950,000 MW in electrical energy annually. The full potential of solar pv units is about 710,000 MW, meaning, that if every roof had properly installed, and efficient solar PV units, the US could add 75% additional electrical capacity.
-California represents about 40% of the rooftop solar potential in the USA
-Ground mounted PV, car ports, awnings, and curtain walls (commercial windows with solar capacity), represent additional potential for solar power beyond the scope of the study.

Solar is unique, in that existing building structures may be utilized to increase power production (in contrast to most other potential power sources). The study shows that 75% of all US home energy needs could potentially be supplied by solar power.

Solar Power Could Provide 75% of All USA Power Needs (In the Near Future)

That's amazing that 75% of all US Energy needs COULD actually be met by solar power in the relatively near future! Of course, that's based on the assumption that they can make solar power substantially cheaper (in the short run) than traditional power. I hope government support for solar power continues to grow....

Solar Power is Clean, Let's Make it Affordable Too

Right now the country is too dependent on fossil fuels; hopefully we will start taking a more serious look at clean energy sources like wind and solar. Fossil fuel usage, especially coal burnoff (or natural gas/ other fuels) pollute our environment. Solar Power is a completely green energy source (clean, non polluting, with no risks like Nuclear Power). I think for most people, the upfront cost is just too expensive (solar power). It's almost like purchasing your own little power plant... Solar may cost $20,000 to $40,000 upfront for a typical home before government credits. Perhaps if these costs could be cut by 50% or 75% we might start seeing Solar Panels on every home...


There are other technologies as well that utilize existing building structures to produce power instead of simply being passive, some examples are solar shingles, or curtain walls (solar windows). Hopefully, technology can be improved so EVERY home can have affordable solar power. Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs brought us the personal computer; and now, almost every home in the country has at least one or more computers. It's not unreasonable to say that cheap, affordable solar power is possible. It's time Solar Power costs were brought down to make it affordable for everyone. Who is going to bring us personal solar power--or cheap enough solar power so every home in the USA can have it?

Find a local Solar Power contractor.