San Joaquin Valley utilities and firms work to meet green energy mandates

Modesto Bee
Monday, January 3, 2011
By John Holland

The sun performed as promised at Jim Jasper's business near Newman.

He installed about 4,000 panels that capture solar energy for use in processing almonds at Stewart & Jasper Orchards. 

Jasper said he expects to save as much as $250,000 on his Pacific Gas & Electric Co. bill each year. But he said something else that gets to the crux of the renewable energy debate: 

"It doesn't pencil out without the subsidies."

Solar, wind and other renewable sources may have finally come of age, after four decades of promise from their promoters. But the technologies still tend to cost more than conventional sources such as hydroelectric, natural gas and coal.

The extra cost is covered in part by utility rate increases, including the one that took effect Saturday in the Modesto Irrigation District.

And the federal government helps with up to 30 percent of the cost with income tax credits for homes and businesses. Those lost taxes add to the national debt.

Advocates say renewable sources are worth the cost because they reduce the need for fossil fuels, which pollute the planet and mire the nation in messy foreign affairs.

Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2011/01/02/1495066/green-energy-gets-real.html#ixzz1A67BL3CC