There are numerous sources of info on the cost of power from renewables. I’ll quote some info released last month by the Climate Policy Initiative, based in San Fran.
Solar: $205/MWh (based on Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating Station). Then there is the 30% investment tax credit (paid by tax payers) worth $52/MWh. That gets the cost down to $153/MWh. Then there are property tax exemptions (paid by tax payers) worth $13/MWh. Now we are at $140/MWh. Accelerated depreciation (reduces current tax expense) worth $23/MWh. Now we are at $117/MWh. U.S loan guarantees for project financing (once again, the taxpayer is on the hook) worth $22/MWh. That puts us at $95/MWh.
I buy power for a utility in Washington state. Yesterday I was paying only $25/MWh on the open market. So, after socializing half the costs of that solar plant, it is still coming-in at four times higher than the market.
Watch your wallet. The govt is dinging you via tax subsidies and the local utility will be hitting you with those higher power costs.
For once, the SF Chronicle has it right.