Solar energy’s role in powering the Commonwealth in the years ahead is hard to pin down. A man with a decade of experience in the renewable says solar will remain solidly in the mix.
Wilderness Trace Solar General Manager John Cotten said rooftop or ground mounting systems remain most popular in urban areas. He expects utility-grade solar expansion continuing in the future. Cotten said energy storage is also improving all the time.
“Battery prices are slowly but surely coming down. The chemistry in batteries is changing almost weekly. That industry is a growing industry all on its own,” said Cotten.
Cotten said wind, solar, and water-related power options don’t pay for a fuel source. He said solar panels are more efficient and made of different chemicals these days.
In addition to coal, natural gas, solar, water, and wind, Cotten expects hydrogen and micro-nuclear to be more prevalent in the years ahead. And Cotten thinks there is room for all because of current day electrical needs.
“Throughout your home. All the stuff that’s in there now. Battery-powered tools, whether it’s a lawnmower, weed eater chain saw. That stuff didn’t exist 15 years ago. But, it does now. And you’ve got to have a way to charging that and that’s gonna continue on,” said Cotton.
Cotten said then there’s all the other computerized electronics. When it comes to the life expectancy of solar farms, Cotten noted, panels in Kentucky can last 30 to 50 years. He added that’s longer than other states with harsher weather conditions.
Cotten sees coal, natural gas, renewables, along with hydrogen and micro-nuclear to all play roles in the future.
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