We endorse the “product path” to expand PV markets. The following recommendations are inspired by — but are not confined to — a multi-part research program described in this report. The package reflects our close consultation with an Advisory Committee assembled for this project, as well as an extensive professional review process. The recommendations appear here in random order; the sequence does not indicate their relative importance.

1. Increasing Consumer Choice:

   A coordinated array of state “buy-down” programs for residential and other small users, with funds from a federal system-benefit charge matching state contributions;

   An industry-funded analysis of near-term product markets, aimed at developing existing technology to serve existing markets, and building the strategic partnerships necessary to sell into those markets;

   Aggressive, coordinated government procurement of PV, requiring suppliers to decrease price, increase quality, and provide long-term service contracts, and aiming to train PV firms for the consumer markets on which they ultimately will have to depend;

   A multi-year PV communication plan linking public-interest campaigns and product marketing;

   Elimination of barriers to capital formation, and the provision of financial products appropriate for specific PV products.

2. Setting Market Rules:

   Legislative packages facilitating the deployment of distributed PV systems, for instance by requiring standardized interconnection protocols, net metering, no-hassle power purchase contacts appropriate for very small systems, prohibition of restrictive homeowner covenants, etc.;

   A strategic discussion of whether and how PV interests should collaborate with other distributed energy technologies on a common legislative and regulatory agenda, and what role, if any, regulated electric utilities can play in the further deployment of PVs;

   A solar “rapid response” team of legislative and regulatory experts able to assist states in coordinating their solar efforts, for example in setting rules for distribution utilities;

   An integrated professional training program targeted at all professions whose members interact with a PV system during its life, for example builders, realtors, property appraisers, inspectors, etc.;

   Integration of PVs into the overall development strategies of developing countries, rather than segregating it as a boutique environmental technology or merely a niche luxury product.

For a more complete explanation of these recommendations

Abstract Article