Solar Limited by Transmission Capabilities

Colorado is in a unique position -- they might have enough renewable energy to be able to export electricity out of the state. A new solar plant planned for the San Luis Valley could generate more than enough power for the region, according to the Pueblo Chieftan.

The problem is how to pay for the expensive transmission lines that would link the region up with the eastern power grid. Colorado residents might be asked to pay for the lines, but that doesn't seem quite fair. This presents an opportunity for investors or energy companies to bridge the gap (so to speak) by financing the transmission lines and then renting them to the utilities. State governments could also help by providing incentives to invest in transmission lines, which would create new revenue while expand the use of renewable power.

Technical innovation would also help to make transmission lines more affordable, and has gotten the attention of some major venture capitalists.

Being close is sometimes better than having the best weather conditions. Even if the total sunlight is less than provided by the Southwest, putting a solar power plant near urban centers can be advantageous. The Exelon-Epuron Solar Energy Center,, a 3.7 gigawatt plant near Philadelphia will be the 4th largest in the country.