SEC598F15 vs SEC598S16 January 11, 2016

Learning Outcomes (598F15) PV System Engineering An understanding of the solar resource An understanding of the topology and components of photovoltaic systems An understanding of the design and operation of PV systems at all scales An introduction to the economics of PV systems 2

Learning Outcomes (598S16) Solar Energy Commercialization A review of PV systems and an introduction to CSP systems A deeper understanding of commercial and industrial, and utility scale, solar systems A greater understanding of economic and public policy considerations for larger scale systems 3

Economic and public policy considerations Fong & Tippett, Project Development in the Solar Industry, 2013 Why renewable energy? Why NOT solar energy? 4

Why renewable energy? 5 Fong & Tippett, 2013

Why renewable energy? 6 Fong & Tippett, 2013

Economic considerations Now that oil, gasoline, and natural gas prices are at near record lows, this puts additional pressure on the Solar Industry. How does the Solar Industry proceed in trying to reach grid parity? Grid parity is achieved when alternative energy produces electricity at costs equal to power from the grid 7

Public policy considerations Utility scale solar projects require large amounts of land. Typically, 5-10 acres of land are required to produce 1 MW of solar power There are vast tracts of arid, un-occupied, non- residential, non-agricultural land that appear “ideal” for PV and CSP development. But groups that support Solar Development also value wilderness and untrammeled spaces, support the preservation of historical and cultural sites as well as threatened and endangered species This sets up internal conflicts within these advocacy groups 8

Recent victories for the Renewable Energy Business Renewal and extension of the Investment Tax Credit The Paris Accords call for the reduction of fossil fuels, which will support the commercialization of solar energy 9