We looked at an open field this morning that easily could accommodate
a 500kW or multi-MW solar PV system. Depending on what solar
insolation data you select you can get the cost per kWh for the system
to 14 to 18 cents without any incentives (based on the 25 year
warranty of the modules). If the modules last longer than 25 years and
the cost is even less.

GRU's highest rate for residential customers is over 16 cents/kWh. GRU
customers are already in the "window" of grid parity. If you look at
the article in today's Gainesville Sun about the declining value of
the US dollar then a solar PV system is the best hedge and protection
against a future collapse of the dollar or skyrocketing prices for
energy whether they are caused by the increased cost for coal and
natural gas or inflation.

Never mind the incentives from the state. With the rebates from GRU a
solar PV system is already cost effective if you consume 1,500 kWh a
month.

   Harry

> Besters
>
> Dr. Humphrey points out what could be done IF ....
>
>
>
> These types of investments are only made when policy and money combine to
> create viable projects. The actual cost of large scale photovoltaic systems
> today is $0.25/kWh to $0.30/kWh. At the moment the cost of fossil power is
> $0.08/kWh to $0.15/kWh in Florida. Pollution from the combustion of fossil
> fuels does not cost anybody one single penny.
>
>
>
> In other words, pollution is FREE. Pollution from the production and use of
> fossil energy is not taxed or otherwise burdened with any significant
> financial disincentives.
>
>
>
> Federal, state and utility financial incentives are required that will
> reduce the capital cost of PV systems by at least 50% for a project to be
> competitive in the financial markets. In addition, these incentives need to
> be permanent and predictable for the life of the project.
>
>
>
> This has not happened.
>
>
>
> The $5 million Florida rebate fund is already exhausted and federal tax
> credits expire at the end of the year. Unfortunately, the US government and
> the State of Florida have not yet put policy in place that makes investment
> in widespread deployment of photovoltaic projects attractive to capital
> markets.
>
>
>
> I have not yet found investors willing to invest serious money into projects
> with a projected return on that investment of zero or less.
>
>
>
> dave
>
>
>
> Under this new agreement, ASU contracts to purchase the power generated on
> its rooftops at a set price for fifteen years. The pricing takes advantage
> of federal and state tax credits as well as incentive payments provided by
> Arizona Public Service as authorized by the Arizona Corporation Commission's
> Renewable Energy Standard Portfolio.
>
>
>
> David E. Bruderly, PE
>
> Bruderly Engineering Associates, Inc.
>
> 920 SW 57th Drive
>
> Gainesville, Florida 32607-3838
>
> 352-377-0932
>
> www.cleanpowerengineering.com
>
> www.bruderly.com
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bioenergy and Sustainable Technology Society
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Humphrey,Stephen R
> Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 10:32 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Arizona State University Awards Contracts for PV Systems
>
>
>
> http://www.solarbuzz.com/news/NewsNAPR1106.htm
>
>
>
> Dr. Stephen R. Humphrey, Director of Academic Programs,
>
> School of Natural Resources and Environment,
>
> Box 116455, 103 Black Hall, University of Florida
>
> Gainesville, FL 32611-6455 USA
>
> Tel. 352-392-9230, Fax 352-392-9748
>
> http://snre.ufl.edu<http://snre.ufl.edu/>
>