Using solar energy to arrest the increasing rate of fossil-fuel consumption: The southwestern states of the USA as case studies

The paper first reviews some recently introduced ideas concerning the feasibility of realizing concentrator photovoltaic systems on a very large (state-wide) scale. In particular, energy and cost assumptions are re-discussed, the concepts of double and triple sustainability are recalled and used to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energy policy 2007, Vol.35 (1), p.567-576
Main Authors: Faiman, D., Raviv, D., Rosenstreich, R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Concentrator photovoltaics
Economic data
Electric energy
Energy
Energy consumption
Energy economics
Energy policy
Exact sciences and technology
Feasibility studies
Fossil fuels
General, economic and professional studies
Natural energy
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic conversion
Photovoltaic power plants
Raviv model
Renewable energy sources
Renewable energy sources - United States
Solar energy
Solar power - United States
U.S.A
Western states - Energy sector
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Summary:The paper first reviews some recently introduced ideas concerning the feasibility of realizing concentrator photovoltaic systems on a very large (state-wide) scale. In particular, energy and cost assumptions are re-discussed, the concepts of double and triple sustainability are recalled and used to perform a sensitivity study of the various assumed parameter values. The model is then applied to each of the southwestern states of the USA in order to assess the economic potential for each state to freeze its fossil fuel consumption at present levels and to provide all future electricity needs entirely from solar. It is found that the scheme is economically feasible for all of the states considered, varying in attractiveness from Utah (where low electricity tariffs are problematic), to California and Nevada, where the economics are by far the most attractive among all the states.
ISSN:0301-4215
1873-6777
DOI:10.1016/j.enpol.2006.01.001