A primer on solar energy and the US solar industry trends.
Solar Resources by Category
Solar energy projects that are owned or leased to many households or businesses receiving credit on their utility bills for the energy output.
The integration of solar and other emerging energy sources into the US electric grid, including issues related to distributed and intermittent generation, peak power, and smart grid investments.
Solar related policies that have been or could be adopted by Congress or the Executive Branch, including federal tax incentives, agency leadership, and R&D investments.
International Trade and Competitiveness
US solar investments relative to the rest of the world, US solar manufacturing, and international solar trade regimes.
Assessments of various solar energy technologies, including photovoltaics, solar thermal, concentrated solar power, storage, and state-of-the-art solar technologies.
Issues unique to less accessible market segments, such as lower income communities that are more likely to be renters, live in multi-family units, and have difficulty financing a project.
Information about large-scale solar arrays typically mounted on the ground delivering electricity to high voltage transmission lines for sale to customers on a usage basis.
Information about medium-sized installations typically on large commercial and industrial buildings that are connected to the local distribution grid.
Solar energy price and cost trends, including balance of system costs, and relative competitiveness with other energy sources.
Solar energy impacts on the environment and greenhouse gas emissions.
Financing methods, models, and mechanisms for developing and installing solar projects.
Information about small household installations typically mounted on a rooftop that are less than 10 kilowatts in capacity and connected to the local distribution grid.
State and Local Solar Policies
Solar related policies that have been or could be adopted by state and local policy makers, including state-based incentives, solar portfolio standards, and net-metering legislation.
Solar related regulations developed and enforced by FERC and state utility regulatory bodies, including electric rate structures, utility investment decision criteria, and the regulated value of solar.
