Residential Renewable Energy: By Whom?

Abstract:     
The article claims that inadequate attention has been paid to overcoming the built-in barriers of the current electricity infrastructure and creating the distribution system that will bring renewable energy to American homes. The technology already exists to put solar photovoltaic panels on millions of homes, but the current lack of focus on distribution will limit residential solar deployment indefinitely, unless it is addressed soon. While a number of solutions to this problem have been proposed or are in various stages of implementation, the article finds that given the pressing need to address climate change, more rapid action is needed. In addition to pursuing other options for generating electricity from renewable sources, the article proposes that firms such as “solar utilities” (or some other new form of market entrant such as smart grid companies) must be provided with appropriate regulatory incentives to succeed.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 30

Keywords: Renewable energy, renewables, solar, electricity, electric utility, climate change, smart grid

Accepted Paper Series