Developed areas in Calif. could support enough solar to power the state

Science Focus

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In general, California has taken two approaches to boosting the solar energy produced in the state. The first is large, utility-scale facilities, often located in the state's extensive desert areas. The second is more ad-hoc, as companies and private citizens are able to install panels on their buildings and facilities if they choose to. But what if the two approaches were merged, with massive deployment of solar on pretty much every bit of developed land in the state? According to a new analysis, the end result would dwarf the state's electricity needs—and probably leave enough to spare to handle its water needs through desalination.

The authors of the paper, all based at Stanford, note that a bit over eight percent of the golden state has already been modified by humans. The authors designated these areas as "compatible" with solar development, although the analysis was a bit more complicated. Concentrated solar power was excluded from areas that are built up, leaving those using photovoltaics only. Over a third of the modified terrain is also urban open space, which could support concentrating solar but consists primarily of a combination of parks, private yards, and golf courses.

Were it not left open, the open space could generate about 26,000 TeraWatt-hours annually. Low-intensity build areas could add another 14,000, while heavily developed regions would add another 3,000. Concentrated solar would provide lower total numbers, but they have the advantage of generating power through the evening demand surge that occurs as people return home from work.

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