The problem of California's renewable energy act

The act, pushed by Brown, requires 33% of energy to be from wind or solar within 9 years. LA Times

Solar and wind is still expensive. California utilities will price fossil fuels higher than other markets, in an effort to meet the standard, reaching the standard by reducing fossil use compared to available renewable. From history we know what results, government price controls, a mixed up market and blackouts.

From EIA Renewable Trends

The only way for California to come close is to use valuable farm land for biomass, and lots of it.  We are still working the solar panel technology, but  a little searching tells me that solar efficiency of 20% at usable cost is nearly here. But we only get 1% of energy from solar panels today.


If the Moonbeam wants to lead the market, a better idea would be to fund basic research.