IREC, NCSC: Valuing solar through market diversity (Varnado)
1. Valuing Solar Through
Market Diversity
Laurel Varnado
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
NC Solar Center
ASES 2010
2. Market Structure
Solar ABCs Report: Sustainable Multi-Segment
PV Markets
U.S. Market is unique in that we have so
many different interests at stake
Wholesale Markets and Retail Markets –
Different players with different needs
3. 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
7. Retail Markets: Net Metering,
Community Solar
Self-Generation leads to reduced electric bills,
Fewer, if any, tax implications
Easy process for enrollment
11. 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
12. Disadvantages of a Diverse System
Can be confusing, competitive and continually
changing.
Climate is less certain.
Not all policies reflect the value of PV.