Solar power combined with smart grid, energy efficiency and energy storage technologies can provide a viable substitute for a large coal plant that provides power around the clock – and at a lower cost. 

Jigar Shah, of the non-profit group, Carbon War Room, said, “All of the four technologies can be employed in small bits and chunks, it can be done on a scalable basis to meet exactly the need but not more than we need,”

Solar and wind power technologies have high up front costs, but have low operational costs because the sun and wind are free. However, “we insist on continuing to invest in technologies that are exactly the opposite — high capital costs, subject to volatile fuel prices,” Mr. Shah said.