In terms of the total cost ("levelized cost") per kilowatt-hour, which of the following is the cheapest way to provide electrical energy? (a) wind power (b) geothermal power (c) solar panels on the roofs of houses (d) nuclear power

Solar panels has least total cost per kilo watt-hour

Explanation:

Step1

All the given energy source is the Renewable energy source. So, the entire energy source will not diminish with time. Levelized energy cost or levelized cost is the method of comparing energy sources on the basis of cost per unit energy produced over time limit. It is the ratio of average cost to power output over large time duration.

Step2

Wind power is the source of energy which gives energy by using kinetic energy of the air. This energy source has less operating cost but high maintenance and initial cost. Also this source of energy is capable to produce large amount of energy.

Step3

Geothermal power has high initial, maintenance cost and operating cost. Less amount of energy is produced through geothermal power plant.

Step4

Solar panels on the roofs of houses has less initial and maintenance cost as well as it produces energy in less area as compare to other sources of energies. So, this source of energy has least total cost per kilo watt-hour.

Step5

Nuclear power source has high initial, maintenance and working cost. It produces large amount of energy but it has high total cost of energy production.