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Solar Makes Sense for Water Utilities
Author(s) -
Raeke Richard
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.2010.tb10184.x
Subject(s) - electricity , environmental economics , solar power , mains electricity , power (physics) , sense (electronics) , term (time) , photovoltaic system , range (aeronautics) , business , computer science , electrical engineering , economics , engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , voltage , aerospace engineering
This article discusses how utilities are excellent candidates for using solar power to supply reliable, cost‐effective electricity for the long‐term. The utilities incure huge electrical loads, have a long‐range outlook, and generally have good credit, making them the perfect candidate for solar power. Cost considerations discussed include the concept of power purchase agreements (PPAs), in which utilities do not pay for the solar electricity system but allow it to be installed onsite while agreeing to buy the power generated for 10‐20 years. PPA benefits and requirements are also discussed.