A Cautionary Solar Tale: Billions Wasted Thanks To A Rush To Market

The solar industry's rapid expansion, driven by expiring subsidies, may be premature, leading to inefficient and soon-to-be-outdated technology. Vast solar fields are being established without sufficient long-term planning for grid integration, decommissioning, and disposal. The Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, a $2.2 billion project, exemplifies this issue, as it faces closure due to its inability to compete with newer, cheaper solar technologies. Emerging innovations, like thin-film solar cells and bifacial panels, promise higher efficiency and reduced material usage. These advancements suggest that current solar installations may be operating with outdated technology. Unlike other industries, the solar sector has received massive subsidies to push an evolving product into rapid deployment. Abundant natural gas resources provide ample time for further solar research and development without urgency. A more measured approach could lead to more efficient, cost-effective solar energy with a smaller environmental footprint. Experts argue that solar projects should be economically viable without government subsidies and installed only when fully realized.