Our fascination with the Sun goes back beyond recorded history. It can be the giver of life or the inflictor of great human suffering. Since the discovery of the sun’s photovoltaic (PV) effect in 1839 we have embarked on a quest to extract an ever-increasing amount of electrical energy from sunlight. There has been significant progress in this technology over the last several decades that has transitioned it into the mainstream of renewable generation across the globe. As the implementation of solar generation increases, the cost drops. In the last 10 years the cost of PV modules has declined by 88%, making it an attractive investment for power producers including home owners due to its scalability.
Sources such as IEA claim solar energy provided 1.3% of global energy needs in 2016. In 2018, solar in Canada met 0.6% of the national energy needs. Ontario leads the way in Canadian solar development by supplying 2% of the province’s energy. The US gets over 10% of its energy from solar with California leading the way.
The cost of renewable energy is continuing to drop while the cost of fossil and nuclear remains relatively flat. Fossil fuel prices will rise over time as supply decreases. In 2018 the cost of building renewable generation was less than all other types of energy. The relative cost of generation will move over time, however renewable sources are not subject to fuel price fluctuation like the oil and gas industry is. The renewable energy economics are largely independent of the fossil fuel industry. It is not vulnerable to energy crises like in the 1970s, or more recently in the early 2000’s where fossil fuel prices spiked and caused economic turmoil.
Solar energy by itself is not the answer to all of the world’s energy problems. It is an integral part of a long term strategy of emission reduction, energy diversification and security. Anyone suggesting otherwise has a myopic view of the world’s energy needs.
Grid integration limitations
Our electrical grid has been built up over the last century around rotating machines. That is why our system utilizes alternating current (ac). Solar is at a disadvantage for a number of technical reasons, one of which being it produces electricity without moving parts. It produces direct current (dc) and relies on power electronics to create the ac pattern. Although this isn’t a show-stopper, it means that solar generators do not behave like rotating machines and require complex technical solutions to integrate with an ac grid. These solutions add cost and reduce efficiencies. As long as solar energy is a small proportion of the overall grid supply the shortcomings are manageable. If the proportion becomes too large, the ac grid will require significant modification to remain reliable.
All sources of generation are not created equal
The different types of generation on the grid serve different purposes. Nuclear energy provides base-load supply because it cannot be ramped up or down quickly. Fossil fuel and hydroelectric generation are quite versatile because they can be used for base or fast changing (including peak) load. Solar and wind are considered intermittent since the availability is subject to factors beyond the control of grid operators who must ensure power is available when and where it is needed.
Carbon emissions
Solar energy has the capability of reducing carbon emission through the displacement of fossil fuel sources. This is a good thing. Unfortunately it positions solar technology as a threat to the fossil fuel industry which is one of the most powerful and influential on the planet. That means lobbying plays a role in the social perception of solar energy. I’m not a Lobbyist.
The straight goods
In my latest series of articles I’ve pulled together information from a large number of sources to look at solar technology from the past to the present along with some insight into the future. They cover the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of this form of renewable generation. The information is geared toward everyday people who just want to know a bit more about how electricity from solar energy is impacting their lives. It’s about technology, politics, economics and our environment.
The articles provide a global outlook along with an Ontario perspective. Ontarians can see the status of our solar programs, energy mix, energy patterns and how much the average residential customer pays every month for solar energy. I’ll look at the current net metering program for adding solar and what that means to consumers and power producers on the Ontario grid.
I hope you will take the time to have a look and learn.
First article… The Solar Solution
Derek
