1
Diesel turbine
LCOE: $322/MWh.
Context: illustrative EIA-derived estimate using EIA simple-cycle turbine cost/performance and EIA distillate fuel price assumptions.
$322
per MWh
Energy + Agriculture + Economics
Energy cost can move from standard solar economics to a lower LCOE case.
With cost savings from integration with farmers & ranchers and irrigation support, Solargation® represents the lowest possible cost of electricity!
Technology comparison
Solar is materially below peaking turbines on LCOE in this comparison.
The layout below keeps the exact comparison logic of the infographic and adapts it into a clearer web presentation while preserving the Solargation® style system and responsive behavior.
2
Natural gas turbine
LCOE: $172.57/MWh.
Context: EIA AEO2026 combustion turbine value.
$172.57
per MWh
3
Traditional solar PV
LCOE: $58.33/MWh.
Context: EIA AEO2026 solar PV value.
$58.33
per MWh
4
Solargation® PV
LCOE: $52.50/MWh.
Context: illustrative PV case with USDA irrigation-support assumption
$52.50
per MWh
Lowest LCOE
What the comparison means
Solargation® is the lowest cost for electrons possible.
Key takeaway
- Solar PV is far cheaper than peaking turbines on an LCOE basis in EIA’s 2031 comparison.
- The diesel and natural gas estimates are higher due to fuel cost dominating simple-cycle generation economics.
Important note
EIA does not publish a standalone utility-scale diesel turbine LCOE in AEO2026. The diesel value shown here is an illustrative EIA-derived estimate using EIA combustion-turbine cost and performance assumptions together with EIA distillate fuel price data. The Solargation® value is an illustrative incentive-adjusted comparison informed by USDA irrigation-support pathways.
From standard solar pricing to a lower adjusted solar case.
The economic story is that traditional PV already sits far below peaking thermal resources on LCOE, and Solargation® is lower still when the irrigation-support framework is applied. The lower costs can be adjusted to allow for BESS deployment on a large scale to help replace peaking infrastructure.
$58.33
starting EIA solar PV LCOE per MWh
$52.50
illustrative Solargation® PV LCOE per MWh
Sources and methodology
All assumptions built from third-party sources, creating a high degree of comfort to clients.
Sources & methodology:: EIA AEO2026 LCOE report for natural gas combustion turbine at $172.57/MWh and solar PV at $58.33/MWh; EIA AEO2026 methodology showing combustion turbines evaluated at 10% capacity factor; EIA capital cost / performance assumptions including simple-cycle H-class turbine heat rate = 9,142 Btu/kWh, dual-fuel capable; USDA NRCS EQIP providing technical and financial assistance for water conservation and irrigation efficiency; USDA NRCS WaterSMART supporting improved irrigation water-use efficiency; and the diesel value being an illustrative EIA-derived estimate rather than a published standalone EIA diesel LCOE.
