Valuing Solar Through Market Diversity

Laurel Varnado Interstate Renewable Energy Council

NC Solar Center ASES 2010

Market Structure

Solar ABCs Report: Sustainable Multi-Segment PV Markets

Wholesale Markets and Retail Markets – Different players with different needs

U.S. Market is unique in that we have so many different interests at stake

Wholesale Markets: Avoided Cost, FIT’s and RFP’s/Auctions

Responsive to Markets

Limits impact on non-participating rate- payers

Promotes sustainable funding and efficient system design

Avoided Cost

Feed-in Tariffs

RFPs and Auctions

Self-Generation leads to reduced electric bills,

Fewer, if any, tax implications

Easy process for enrollment

Retail Markets: Net Metering, Community Solar

Net Metering

Community Solar

Incentive Programs

Benefits of a Diverse System

Mitigates risk by decentralizing policies.

Can favor more efficiency in products and system design.

Appeals to a broader audience of potential customers

Disadvantages of a Diverse System

Can be confusing, competitive and continually changing.

Climate is less certain.

Not all policies reflect the value of PV.

Thanks!  

Laurel  Varnado  NC  Solar  Center  (919)  513-1534  lavarnad@ncsu.edu