Bringing Solar to Scale: California's Opportunity to Create a Thriving, Self-Sustaining Residential Solar Market

Publication Date: April 2005

Publisher: Environment California Research and Policy Center

Author(s): Dave Algoso; Mary Braun; Bernadette Del Chiaro

Research Area: Energy

Keywords: Solar Photovoltaic; renewable energy

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

Given its abundant sunshine, California has tremendous solar power potential. Increased reliance on solar power would reduce the state's air pollution, decrease the need for expensive upgrades to electricity transmission and distribution systems, and protect California consumers from volatile electricity prices. Bringing Solar to Scale: California's Opportunity to Create a Thriving, Self-Sustaining Residential Solar Market, illustrates that government programs--designed to promote long-term market development through financial incentives and new construction design policies--can lead to increased demand, lowered prices, and ultimately a robust, self-sufficient solar market in which government incentives are no longer necessary.