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.
Solar Market Insight Report 2012 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, 2012.
NREL Solar REITs Technical Report
A technical report released by NREL regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) for solar energy projects, June 2012.
Critical Materials for Sustainable Energy Applications
This report examines the current and future outlook for critical materials used in sustainable energy applications.
A Historical Analysis of Investment in Solar Energy Technologies (2000-2007)
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has published "A Historical Analysis of Investment in Solar Energy Technologies (2000-2007)." This paper explores the private and public investment in solar energy and how it has fueled industry growth. It shows that investment in solar technologies increased at an annual rate of 145% from 2004 to 2007. At the same time, government support as a share of total investment dropped from 50% to 4% of the total.
Supply Curves for Rooftop Solar PV-Generated Electricity for the United States
"Supply Curves for Rooftop Solar PV-Generated Electricity for the United States" shows methods for comparing the relative costs of PV electricity capacity based on solar resources. The report estimates total avilable rooftop capacity potential of 661,000 megawatts and generating potential of 819,000,000 megawatt-hours.
Florida Renewables Assessment Study
A draft of the "Florida Renewables Assessment Study" is now available on the Florida Public Service Commission's web site. The report covers many renewable technologies including photovoltaic, concentrating solar power, and solar water heating (for systems larger than 2 MW-thermal equivalent). The draft report shows solar energy systems are cost competative under several future energy scenarios, and shows a negative cost for solar water heating in most scenarios.
Manufacturing Climate Solutions
Manufacturing Climate Solutions presents new research on technologies that can protect the climate by reducing CO2 emissions. In this ongoing series, we ask, “What are the U.S. job opportunities in clean tech?”
Comparison of the Four Leading Small Generator Interconnection Procedures Report
This study report reviews four sets of interconnection procedures that regulators often consider when developing state and local procedures. As a framework for review, the report uses the grading criteria developed by the Network for New Energy Choices (NNEC) and used that organization’s review of state interconnection procedures.
Utility External Disconnect Switch Report
Some states and utilities require installation of UEDS between PV power systems and the utility grid as a device to ensure line worker safety. However, eight states and many major utility companies have recognized that safety devices and features already part of all code-compliant PV systems make the UEDS redundant and have eliminated its requirement.
A Comprehensive Review of Solar Access Law in the United States
The report reviews the efficacy of existing laws and regulations to protect solar access for new and existing buildings and recommends specific measures to improve and ensure solar access for those planning to use solar energy systems on homes and commercial buildings.