North Carolina Solar Center Policy Analyst, Laurel Varnado, discusses IREC-funded policy alternatives for valuing distributed generation PV.

1. Valuing Solar Through
Market Diversity
Laurel Varnado
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
NC Solar Center
ASES 2010

2. Market Structure
Solar ABCs Report: Sustainable Multi-Segment
PV Markets
U.S. Market is unique in that we have so
many different interests at stake
Wholesale Markets and Retail Markets –
Different players with different needs

3. Wholesale Markets: Avoided Cost,
FIT’s and RFP’s/Auctions
Responsive to Markets
Limits impact on non-participating rate-
payers
Promotes sustainable funding and efficient system
design

4. Avoided Cost

5. Feed-in Tariffs

6. RFPs and Auctions

7. Retail Markets: Net Metering,
Community Solar
Self-Generation leads to reduced electric bills,
Fewer, if any, tax implications
Easy process for enrollment

8. Net Metering

9. Community Solar

10. Incentive Programs

11. Benefits of a Diverse System
Mitigates risk by decentralizing policies.
Can favor more efficiency in products and system
design.
Appeals to a broader audience of potential
customers

12. Disadvantages of a Diverse System
Can be confusing, competitive and continually
changing.
Climate is less certain.
Not all policies reflect the value of PV.