Renewable energy opportunities have historically fallen as the "little brother" to mainstream energy sources such as coal and natural gas. Although some advancements have been made in the storage arena, the cost to supply the same power needs all-in just weren't comparable. However, Tucson Electric signed a deal this past week to supply solar and storage at 4.5 cents per kilowatt-hour over the next 20 years. "That's less than half the price of retail electricity power and a price low enough to compete with natural gas, coal, and nuclear power head to head in wholesale markets for what some might call 'baseload' power." The economics of this deal have the potential of exponential growth for solar energy around the world so long as the cost to produce & store it stays below other energy sources.
Tesla Solar is a step in the right direction but still WILL NOT WORK...yet
Let me say this loud and proud:
Until battery storage technology catches up to solar panel technology, THIS WILL NOT WORK! When I say work though, know that I mean with a reasonable ROI (Return on Investment). It is the same problem with all renewable energy platforms, because of peak demand, the lack of energy storage and the unreliability of the supply, renewables will not be a reliable source of power until technology catches up.