Funding Program: SuNLaMP
SunShot Subprogram: Soft Costs
Location: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
SunShot Award Amount: $1,458,635
In collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power Partnership, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) aims to increase the deployment of mid-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems by identifying key untapped market segments, then engaging relevant stakeholder groups to identify and solve key market barriers, while providing technical tools and expertise to empower decision makers. This project will also help solar developer and installer communities by providing analyses that quantify the size and suitability of potential markets, while defining barriers and opportunities for mid-scale solar systems.
Approach
The project team will consult key stakeholders in the commercial and industrial market and review the existing literature of barriers and opportunities for mid-scale solar. Characterizing the PV market potential in various commercial sectors will allow NREL and EPA to target sectors with the most potential value. Beginning with stakeholders in higher education, the team will develop and deploy educational and training materials to assist these decision makers in fully understanding, valuing, and executing on a solar project.
Innovation
This project will accelerate mid-scale PV deployment and contribute to lower customer acquisition and financing costs. The research completed under this project will help to better understand the consumer preferences of the market segments that are most likely to install mid-scale solar systems. Technical reports and case studies will highlight best practices and challenges faced by mid-scale solar developers, including guidance on how to maximize the value of demand charge savings.