March 31, 2020

Solar Energy Is Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels

Solar Energy Is Cheaper Than Fossil FuelsFossil Fuels

Solar panels are one of the most effective, convenient solutions for creating a more sustainable home, and for most of the history of solar technology, the main limiting factor was the price. However, solar panels have made incredible progress in both cost and efficiency over the past 20 years, and we're now officially in a new era of solar power: for the first time in history, solar energy is cheaper than energy produced by fossil fuels. At Simply Solar, we're proud to help homeowners and business owners all over the Bay Area make the switch to rooftop solar systems.

 

The Cost of Solar Energy vs. Fossil Fuels

It may seem impossible, but it's true: thanks to the falling costs of solar panel production and installation, as well as the increased efficiency of solar panels, photovoltaic solar power is now cheaper than fossil fuel energy – even without government energy subsidies. According to a 2017 report by the investment bank Lazard, utility-scale thin-film PV solar panels produce energy at a cost range of 4.3-4.8 cents per kWh. For comparison, natural gas energy plants produce energy that costs between 4.2-7.8 cents per kWh, while coal plants 6-14.3 cents per kWh. 

This means that at the utility-scale, solar panels are now among the cheapest of energy production options, undercut only by wind power, which ranges from 3-6 cents per kWh. This is a truly staggering development and a testament to the massive advancements that have been made in photovoltaic technology over the past several decades, and it's exciting to think of the future possibilities this might unlock. There are still many hurdles to overcome for utility-scale solar, as energy storage remains very difficult to pull off economically. But the incredible cost-efficiency of solar energy generation will help incentivize new development and innovation as we transition to a cleaner, greener energy economy. 

 

Contact Your San Francisco & Petaluma Solar Panel Installers

These cost figures are inspiring, but installing your very own rooftop solar system is even better – because once it starts generating power, you won't pay an extra dime for that electricity. In fact, by selling your surplus power back to the grid, the electric company actually pays you! Want to find out how you can make the switch to solar panels? Get your free solar savings assessment online today. We can't wait to help you achieve energy independence with a robust rooftop solar system!

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Smart Power For Your Home

Solar energy generates tremendous benefits for you and the planet. We utilize the latest solar advancements that will not only help you save money, but will contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Our goal is to make the solar process feel simple and easy, from the proposal to the installation and throughout the lifecycle of your system.
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Choose Simply Solar

Why choose Simply Solar when there are so many commercial solar companies vying for your business?
  • Experience: With over 20 years in the industry, we have what it takes to build a solar system that will exceed your expectations.
  • Products and Partners: With industry-leading products, which we choose for their durability and outstanding performance, you can be sure that your solar panel system will last for many decades.
  • Expertise: Commercial solar companies hire out inexperienced contractors. Not Simply Solar! We handle the full site analysis, system engineering, permitting, installation, activation, monitoring, and maintenance of your solar system.
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