Introduction to Photovoltaic Energy Systems
Solar Energy
Photovoltaic Energy
PV System Types
PV System Integration Options
Why PV?
PV System Economics
PV System Incentives
Why PV?
Businesses, institutions and individuals are interested in BIPV for many
reasons, not only the production of electricity. These reasons may include:
- Increasing building value and rental prospects
- Enhancing community educational opportunities
- Promoting sustainable development
- Becoming at least partly energy self-sufficient
- Portraying "green", "high tech", and "forward thinking" images for public relations purposes
- Supporting a new industry and job creation
PV System Economics
PV systems are currently significantly more costly than conventional power
plants. However, costs have been declining at a rate of about 9% annually
for the last 15 years. Photovoltaic energy systems can produce power with
a lifecycle cost ranging from $0.18 to more than $0.25 per kilowatt-hour.
In order to ensure that costs continue to decline (and to ensure that
the US maintains its dominance in PV system manufacturing) federal and
state authorities and other groups have been promoting the sales of PV
systems through incentives.
PV System Incentives
Many grants and incentives are available to PV system owners. Receiving
these benefits improves the economic viability of a PV system. There are
two dominant reasons why PV systems (and other renewable energy technologies)
are supported by incentives. First, they encourage corporations
and consumers to invest in and purchase PV systems. Second, they "level
the playing field" between PV systems and fossil fuel energy systems,
which have many governmental tax supports and serious environmental
impacts which are not included in their market price.
The incentives for PV systems in Wisconsin include:
- Focus On Energy:
- Federal Tax Incentives (for commercial non-utility tax payers):
- State of Wisconsin Incentives:
- Other Incentives:
Most of the grants and incentives have strict eligibility requirements. Many of the grants are awarded on a competitive basis and provided based on annual funding cycles. Read more about incentives and grants for PV systems.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For an excellent summary of Wisconsin and Federal incentives:
http://www.dsireusa.org
Information about the U.S. DOE's solar energy programs:
www.millionsolarroofs.com
www.eren.doe.gov/RE/solar.html
copyright © 2000 WisconSUN
