WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 (UPI) — Though the overall goal for renewable energy was raised, a U.S. federal report said the nation’s capital is falling short when it comes to solar power.
The District of Columbia revised its renewable portfolio standard from 20 percent by 2020 to 50 percent by 2032. Taken as a region, North America’s net share of renewable and nuclear energy could rise by another 7 percent by the middle of the next decade.
In the United States alone, housing authorities in 36 states have agreed to invest $287 million to help finance 280 megawatts of solar energy projects in low and moderate-income communities. Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that, in the nation’s capital, the solar target was doubled to 5 percent of the capacity by 2032.
Five years ago, the U.S. government announced plans to build solar panels on the roof of the White House residence. The Department of Energy at the time said it was a reflection of the government’s commitment to U.S. leadership in solar energy.
With the right policies in place, the International Renewable Energy Agency said the cost for solar and wind could drop by as much as 59 percent by the middle of the next decade. Already, the price for solar installations fell by 80 percent and 30 percent for wind since 2009.
The U.S. report, however, found the capacity to generate renewable energy in the nation’s capital is limited and the district relies almost entirely on external sources.
“Although D.C. has met its overall target each year since 2009, it has often fallen short of the solar-specific target,” the EIA said.
