Comments on: Solar-power prices slide toward 'grid parity'

Analysis of industry costs shows that solar panels are poised to reach grid parity in three years in many places. That's good for consumers but means tough times for manufacturers.

[techwiz2001]

Im glad! Solar and wind are the way's to go. I am currently planning to put solar panels on my roof so all the lights will run off those. Maybe even a few appliances.

techwiz2000
http://hooahtech.blogspot.com/

[Cosmo8U]

Martin; I don't know where you got your information on the price of electricity in Idaho BUT, I live here and Idaho Power is 5.7 cents per kwh if you use 800 kw or less, (nearly impossible). Over 800 the rate jumps to 6.1 and in the summer it is almost 7 cents per kwh. I wish it were below 5 cents but unfortunately we have to pay for Idaho Powers bad investments.

[mlamonica]

Actually, an editor added that bit of info on Idaho to be more specific. But the source is the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which compiles *average* prices: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/st_profiles/idaho.html

[regulator1956]

The top rate here in Los Angeles is above 25 cents.

[Vegaman_Dan]

I would love to see solar really take off. I would put panels on my roof gladly to cut down what I pay the local utlility. A smart utility would start offering these themselves through long term leases, perhaps even making deals that they would get any excess power generated by the units that the customer is not using, making the solar grid feed into their system to help support larger customers as needed.

I'm not holding my breath though.

[scottthesculptor]

This is a clearance sale and temporary.
stimulus is about to push demand up.
fewer solar companies around to feed the market =?

so get 'em while they're low because it'll be years before the prices fall back to this level

Parity, maybe - but I wouldn't bet on $1/watt by 2012 - the dollar won't be worth much by then.

[needitwantitnow]

Nat'l average elec cost often doesn't mean much. Most homeowners don't even know that many utilities offer 'Peak demand' pricing as an option. I took that option so I pay 4.7 cents/kWh from 7pm to 7am, then I pay 18 cents/kWh from 7am to 7pm while I'm at work using little power. A solar grid system will spin my meter back at 18 cents during daylight hours while I use power at 5 cents after 7pm. My average cost means nothing if I can cash in during daylight hours.
This 'Peak' pricing also allows me to use electric heat at night and propane heat during the day, and the switch is automatic using the Utility's installed 'Peak demand switch'.
(Western Wisconsin area)