Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 16, 2006
On the eve of Solar Power 2006 (http://www.solarpowerconference.com), the largest solar energy conference in United States history, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) announced today that electric utility membership in its organization is up 45% in 2006 as utility interest in solar power grows. Several high profile projects announced in the last year also indicate a changing evolution in the solar-utility relationship.
“Whether by choice or mandate, utilities across the country are beginning to realize that solar electricity can become an important part of their generating portfolio,” said Julia Judd, SEPA executive director. “The growing role of solar electricity is being recognized by utilities of all sizes and geographic locations, from large companies like San Diego Gas and Electric to small rural cooperatives like Otero County Electric in New Mexico, both of which became SEPA members this year.”
In August, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) (San Francisco, CA), a SEPA member, signed plans to purchase 500 MW of concentrating tower solar thermal electricity, beginning with a 100 megawatt plant by the end of 2010. This purchase would be in addition to over 98 megawatts (MW) of customer-owned solar currently connected to PG&E’s grid today. Last September San Diego Gas and Electric, a new SEPA member in 2006, contracted to purchase 300 megawatts of concentrating dish solar thermal capacity, with an option to purchase an additional 600 megawatts during future phases. These solar thermal concentrating projects represent the first investments in the technology since the early 1990’s.
On the other end of the spectrum, SEPA member Roseville Electric (Roseville, CA), a municipal utility northeast of Sacramento, signed a partnership with Lennar Homes last May to build 450 energy efficiency and solar integrated homes over the next two years. Roseville city planners anticipate roughly 30,000 new housing units will be built over the next 10 years and the utility has a goal that 6,000 of the units (20%) will have solar systems integrated into their design and construction.
According to Judd, “The State of California took significant steps this year to increase utility solar program development, including municipal utilities.” SB1, legislation passed earlier this fall, requires municipal utilities to establish solar energy programs in support of a 3,000 MW California Solar Initiative goal. Per the legislation, municipal programs must be established by January 1, 2008 and are expected to inject an additional $784 million into the nation’s largest solar economy. Seeking resources, 13 northern California municipal utilities joined SEPA’s utility network to learn from other utilities’ experience and keep abreast of solar technology and policy developments.
Other major solar announcements made by utilities in 2006 include Xcel Energy’s (Denver, CO) plans for an 8 megawatt solar power plant in south central Colorado that will include both photovoltaic flat-plate and concentrating technologies, and an Austin Energy (Austin, TX) request for proposals for between 15 and 50 megawatts of solar electricity.
About the Solar Electric Power Association (http://www.solarelectricpower.org)
Founded in 1992, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) facilitates the use and integration of solar electric power by utilities and their customers by providing its members with tools, information, networking opportunities, and policy analysis and reporting. SEPA’s membership includes over 150 electric utilities, solar industry companies, and other stakeholders.
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