SEIA Resources
Reports
SEIA produces a variety of research and other supporting resources for the solar industry, ranging from full reports to short factsheets. Below is a list of our reports, organized by date. For a full library of research and resources, click here.
Rocky Mountain Institute Examines Distributed Solar PV Cost/Benefit Studies
In its review of 15 distributed solar PV benefit and cost studies, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) finds significant variability in estimated distributed PV values, owing to differences in methodology, local context, and input assumptions. RMI highlights areas in which consensus and standardization could be established to allow for better comparison between studies.
California Solar Initiative 2013 Annual Program Assessment
In July 2013, the CPUC issued its annual report on the progress of the California Solar Initiative, showing that the program has installed 66 percent of its total goal, with another 19 percent reserved in pending projects. This equals an estimated 1,629 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity at 167,878 customer sites in the investor-owned utility territories through the end of the first quarter of 2013, enough to power approximately 150,000 homes and avoid building three power plants.
Solar Means Business 2013: Top U.S. Commercial Solar Users
In an increasingly competitive business landscape, some of the most well-run and efficient companies are turning to solar energy to stay ahead. From large corporations such as Walmart, Costco, Apple and IKEA to small, local companies, U.S. businesses are making significant investments in solar to cut energy costs. Solar allows businesses of all sizes and in a range of industries to lower their energy expenditures, improve their bottom line and gain a competitive advantage.
IEA Predicts Power from Renewables will Exceed Gas by 2016
In its Medium-Term Renewable Energy Market Report, the International Energy Agency predicts 40% growth in renewable power generation over the next 5 years.
U.S. Solar Market Insight 2013 Q1
U.S. Solar Market Insight™ is a collaboration between the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) and GTM Research that brings high-quality, solar-specific analysis and forecasts to industry professionals in the form of quarterly and annual reports. Released June, 2013.
The Benefits and Costs of Solar Distributed Generation for Arizona Public Service
This report provides a new cost-benefit analysis of the impacts of solar distributed generation (DG) on ratepayers in the service territory of Arizona Public Service (APS). The study shows that distributed solar generation (DG) and net energy metering will provide Arizona Public Service (APS) customers with $34 million in benefits each year.
Concentrating Solar Power with Storage Provides High Grid Value
A recent NREL report finds that concentrating solar power systems (CSP) with thermal energy storage (TES) provide value to the grid that is $30/MWh to $51/MWh higher than conventional base load generation. The analysis focused on grid performance in California under a 33% renewable scenario.
Financing through Public Capital Vehicles Can Lower Solar Costs 10%
A recent NREL report finds that the use of public capital (asset-backed securities, investment pools and real estate investment trusts) can lower the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by up to $0.16 for residential projects and $0.08 for utility projects. As consumer confidence in securitization grows, prices could fall by as much as 30%.
Favorable Permitting Practices Can Reduce PV Costs 4%-12%
A recent Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report finds that streamlined city permitting practices can reduce the cost of installed PV systems by $0.27-$0.77 per watt, relative to cities with less favorable permitting standards. Development times can be shorted by an average of 24 days, under favorable permitting standards.
40% of U.S. Supermarkets at Grid-Parity for Installed PV
A recent NREL report finds that in 2011, 17% of U.S supermarkets were in utility territories where PV could be installed at or below the cost of traditional generation. In 2012, they estimate that this percentage increased to 40%. The report is NREL’s first step in examining PV grid-parity at all big-box retailers.