information for our energy future
information for our energy future
The following energy reports, research and discussion papers can be downloaded from the publisher's website, usually in pdf format. If you require alternative formats please contact the publisher directly.
June 2008
Clean Edge, Inc. Co-op America Foundation
The Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study, provides a comprehensive roadmap for utilities, solar companies, and regulators to reach 10% of total USA electricity generation by solar power in 2025. The report outlines how solar power is beginning to reach cost parity with conventional energy sources and as solar prices decline and the capital and fuel costs for coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants rise, the USA will reach a crossover point by around 2015. The report provides a good forward view of how solar PV and solar thermal power generation can make a big contribution to zero emission electricity generation.
Download from: Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study (pdf 1.7 MB)
October 2007
California Energy Commission
The objective of this project was to determine the potential size of the rooftop photovoltaic (PV) market in California, by county, for both residential and commercial applications for three cases: (1) current market without the California Solar Initiative incentives, (2) using the California Solar Initiative incentives, and (3) using new or improved business models. The results were further broken out by retrofit versus new construction installations. The analysis revealed that the 3,000 MW goal of the California Solar Initiative is achievable by 2016 with aggressive PV system cost reductions and new business models. Report prepared by Navigant Consulting for the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program of the California Energy Commission.
Download from: California Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) (pdf 880 kb)