Grid Parity
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Grid parity, the point at which photovoltaic electricity is equal to or cheaper than grid power, is achieved first in areas with abundant sun and high costs for electricity such as in California and Japan. Grid parity has been reached in Hawaii and other islands that otherwise use diesel fuel to produce electricity. George W. Bush has set 2015 as the date for grid parity in the USA. General Electric's Chief Engineer predicts grid parity without subsidies in sunny parts of the United States by around 2015. Other companies predict an earlier date.

In Italy, PV power has been cheaper than retail grid electricity since 2006. One kWh in Italy costs 21.08 €-cents. Italy has an average of 1,600 kWh/m² sun power per year (Sicily has even more, at 1,800 kWh/m²).