According to Cosmos, “Solar and wind are the cheapest sources of electricity generation in Australia, and renewables are outcompeting fossil fuels for cost efficiency across the board.” A report by CSIRO states renewables are great for the planet!
The report also states that PV – or more commonly known as solar photovoltaics – as well as wind energy “came out on top” when compared to other forms of energy. They were even on top when it came to considering their integration costs.
But why are integration costs troubling to some?
Cosmos reports, “These integration costs have long troubled energy economists. Because wind and sunshine are not constants, the cost of storing the generated electricity has been a roadblock to the economic competitiveness of renewables.”
Year over year weather “variability” will be taken into account when gaging solar panel integration and cost in the future.