> none of those other facts were different back then.
That is not correct.
Small-scale solar capacity in California today stands at 19GW. In 2002, it was 45MW. That is a more than 400-fold increase. Title 20 and 24 rules have dramatically cut residential electric demand, especially lighting which has fallen by over 90%. Population grew 13% but peak grid load has not grown at all. But all that grid stuff to serve the new residents had to be installed and amortized. Many many things have changed since 2002.
That is not correct.
Small-scale solar capacity in California today stands at 19GW. In 2002, it was 45MW. That is a more than 400-fold increase. Title 20 and 24 rules have dramatically cut residential electric demand, especially lighting which has fallen by over 90%. Population grew 13% but peak grid load has not grown at all. But all that grid stuff to serve the new residents had to be installed and amortized. Many many things have changed since 2002.