Thoughts on Solar by Run on Sun's Founder & CEO, Jim Jenal

The Los Angeles Times is reporting today that consumer spending rose 0.7% in February with most of that going to cover rising costs for food and energy. At the same time, the Times reported that gasoline prices in California now top $4.00/gallon for self-serve regular - an increase of more than 94¢ per gallon from one year ago.

While overall inflation remains low, inflation in the volatile energy sector is taking off. Oil prices remain above $100/barrel, while the price of natural gas is expected to climb substantially over the next year. Given that so much of the electricity used in Southern California comes from gas-fired power plants, it is clear that electricity prices will continue to climb, and likely higher and faster than they have in the past. Combine that with the need to address anthropogenic climate change, and the urgency of finding alternative energy sources that are not subject to extreme price fluctuations becomes ever more apparent.

But evil Dogbert’s imaginary press releases aside, it is not necessary to dream up some “new green energy technology breakthrough” to meet our needs.  Solar power is a tried and true technology that provides building owners with a substantial return on investment while reducing the building’s carbon footprint and providing a true hedge against runaway energy costs.

Today the California Assembly finally got over the hurdle imposed by some of its less visionary members and passed SB 2X which provides for a 33% Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard for the utilities in the state. Presided over today by solar champion Mike Gatto (D-Glendale), the debate on the Assembly floor was lively and, for the most part, enlightened. The bill now goes to Governor Brown who is expected to sign it.

There are many more policy steps that the legislature needs to advance - none more important than a statewide feed-in tariff to replace the existing patchwork quilt of “now you see ‘em, now you don’t” rebates - but today was a good start.  As solar becomes more commonplace, we will see the day when consumers don’t worry about their energy costs because they are locked-in for the next 25 years.

Now if we could only do something about food prices!