I think I accounted for the amortized captial investment. Fuel cost adjustment disappears, but the base rate cost does not--even though it goes much lower. That includes the capital investment, trasnmission costs, and maintenance. Solar panels degrade at various rates depending on where they are. They go faster in hot areas. In cool climates, like Minnesota, the degrade about 0.5% a year, so in 40 years, they are still producing well over 80% of their potential.
sounds good, but whilst wind and solar may not have "fuel cost adjustment" it will have amortised capital replacement built in, since all systems (fossil and renewable) have life spans. Solar panels degrade over time, so the efficiency drops until the panels need replacing (typically 15 years on tier 1 panels), all rotating/ mechanical machines (turbines, generators, etc) wear and require maintenance and eventual replacement. I know there is a tonne of work being done in looking at viable recycling technologies for panels and turbine components, and that, plus battery lifespan/recycling will be the real game changers. We will always need oil (turbines aren't self lubricating), but cheap reliable electricity is the backbone of lifting people out of poverty, ignorance, and allowing discretionary time for development.
I think I accounted for the amortized captial investment. Fuel cost adjustment disappears, but the base rate cost does not--even though it goes much lower. That includes the capital investment, trasnmission costs, and maintenance. Solar panels degrade at various rates depending on where they are. They go faster in hot areas. In cool climates, like Minnesota, the degrade about 0.5% a year, so in 40 years, they are still producing well over 80% of their potential.
sounds good, but whilst wind and solar may not have "fuel cost adjustment" it will have amortised capital replacement built in, since all systems (fossil and renewable) have life spans. Solar panels degrade over time, so the efficiency drops until the panels need replacing (typically 15 years on tier 1 panels), all rotating/ mechanical machines (turbines, generators, etc) wear and require maintenance and eventual replacement. I know there is a tonne of work being done in looking at viable recycling technologies for panels and turbine components, and that, plus battery lifespan/recycling will be the real game changers. We will always need oil (turbines aren't self lubricating), but cheap reliable electricity is the backbone of lifting people out of poverty, ignorance, and allowing discretionary time for development.