Renewable resources more popular than US government predicts

nice, let's hope it doesn't stagnate.

 

Growth of renewables depends in part on rebates; federal state, etc. National database is

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® - DSIRE

but from that website I cannot see anything. Would prefer to suppose I simply cannot navigate it. Rather than think it is (has become) hobbled.

 

It is browser/firewall issue as it appears to be an interactive map:



Bob Wilson

 

If you look at the texas experience - the state has built more wind than any other states wind and solar combined. The growth has been fueled by regulatory rules. Texas does have incentives, but they are smaller than many states. Key regulatory changes allowed customers to choose wind or solar, and lock in a price. This was higher than current electricity prices, but certainty and choice made it work. The state also separated the expensive grid expansion and smart grid that allowed for renewables to be charged to the bulk of utility customers, not just the renewable customers. ERCOT is rather unique in that it was designed to be totally within a state, and thus not subject to federal politics. Renewables in the other grids often must wait for federal decissions, slowing adoption. They are often mismanaged by other states, making adoption much more expensive.

On the other hand incentives especially the feed through tarrif has propelled the germany to expand renewables to a level higher than other countries. German electricity is much more expensive though, and there are trade offs.

Access to good wind or solar also makes it an uneven proposition, but much of the US could build much faster with promotion of grid improvements, cycling resources (areas that use mainly nuclear and thermal fossil have a hard time adding renewables), and choice. Financial incentives for solar and wind are probably high enough right now, but the structure is probably wrong. Feed in tarrifs and low interest loans would probably be better than the rebates for solar.