Post in the forum. The city of famously foggy skies may become the capital of solar. Reeling from spiraling energy prices, the city of San Francisco is pursuing what would be the most ambitious solar power program in the nation. San Francisco's foggy weather would seem to be the biggest obstacle, but experts say it's not. The U.S. Department of Energy says San Francisco gets about 96 percent of the solar radiation of Sacramento, the current nationwide municipal leader in providing solar power.
Cost is the key question.
The price tag is at least triple that for conventional or wind-powered energy sources. The city also could opt for a different plan. But you don't have the risk of swings in fuel prices like you're experiencing in California, because the fuel is free,'' he said, referring to sunlight. Solar makes up less than 1 percent of the nation's total energy output. But its reputation also suffered because of early, visible mishaps.