SEIA Resources

Demand Charges

There has been significant recent attention to the possibility of including demand charges in the electricity rates charged to residents and small businesses. Electric utilities have historically served these ‘small customers’ under a two-part rate structure comprised of a fixed monthly customer charge that recovers the cost of connecting to the grid and an energy charge (or charges) that recover all other costs.

Rate Design for a Distributed Grid

In response to the growing popularity of rooftop solar and other distributed energy resources (DERs), some electric utilities have recently begun seeking ratemaking changes that would discourage customers from generating their own power and otherwise buying less electricity from their utility. These changes – which include higher fixed charges and reduced compensation for exported energy – are justified by a purported concern about costs being shifted among customers of the same rate class.

Rooftop PV Systems and Firefighter Safety

In an effort to better understand firefighter rooftop operations, the hazards that may be encountered when working around PV arrays, and the means in which these electrical hazards could be mitigated or substantially reduced, SEIA has commissioned DNV-GL to prepare a white paper.

Purchase Price Allocations for Solar Energy Systems for Financial Reporting Purposes

This White Paper was produced by SEIA and CohnReznickAs the solar energy industry continues to evolve, industry participants are increasingly involved in mergers and acquisitions involving solar projects.  Some acquired projects are in development, while others are acquired at or following commissioning.  These transactions often require purchase price allocations for financial reporting and/or income tax reporting.

Trends for North American clean energy RFPs in 2014

This list includes important trends regarding North America's clean energy RFPs in 2014.

Cutting Carbon Emissions Under 111(d): The case for expanding solar energy in America