The plunging cost of solar power is leading U.S. electric companies to capture more of the sun just when President Donald Trump is moving to boost coal and other fossil fuels. Solar power represents just about 1% of the electricity U.S. utilities generate today, but that could grow substantially as major electric utilities move into smaller-scale solar farming, a niche developed by local cooperatives and nonprofits. "You either learn how to work with this new medium, solar energy, or you're going to face increasing conflicts." Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy Inc., Topeka, Kansas-based Westar Energy and California's three largest investor-owned utilities are among other power companies moving into community solar. Utilities think: "If a customer signs up for community solar, we get the money.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 04, 2017 20:32 UTC