Progress Commercializing Solar-Electric Power Systems

Abstract

▪ Abstract The commercial status of the principal solar electric technologies—photovoltaic and solar thermal—is reviewed. Current and near-term market niches are identified, and projected longer-term markets are explored along with the key strategies for achieving them, including technological breakthroughs, manufacturing developments, economies of scale and mass production, and market creation. Market barriers and public policy impacts on commercialization are discussed.

Innovation in emerging energy technologies: A case study analysis to inform the path forward for algal biofuels

“…Figure 4 Rough scoping assessment of preferred site locations for outdoor algae production (US DOE, 2010) ................................................................................................................................... Figure 5 Regional resource assessment for scaling up algae production (Pate et al, 2011) ........ Figure 6 Path dependence arises in systems with positive feedback (Sterman, 2000) ................. Figure 7 Motors of change in TISs (Hekkert et al, 2007) ............................................................ Figure 11 Diffusion model of PV market applications (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996) ................. Table 1 Operational Table 2 Prospective markets and substitute products for algal meal, omega-3, and glycerin in USA (Subhadra & Edwards, 2011) ............................................................................................... Table 3 Technological innovation system functions (Suurs & Hekkert, 2009) ............................ Table 4 Event types as indicators of innovation system functions (Suurs & Hekkert, 2009) ...... Table 5 Annual US biodiesel production (US EIA, 2012b)…”

“…Another major technical development occurred in 1980 when ARCO Solar became the first company to produce more than one megawatt of PV modules in a year (Entrepreneurial Activity 8) (US DOE, 2012). Private sector investment in solar PV technology during this time was largely driven by high oil prices and predictions of even higher prices in the future (Guidance of the Search 2) (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996). Some new investors, particularly European companies, were also motivated by the environmental benefits of the technology (Guidance of the Search 3) along with the potential for a growing market in rural electrification projects in developing countries (Entrepreneurial Activity 9) (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996).…”

“…Private sector investment in solar PV technology during this time was largely driven by high oil prices and predictions of even higher prices in the future (Guidance of the Search 2) (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996). Some new investors, particularly European companies, were also motivated by the environmental benefits of the technology (Guidance of the Search 3) along with the potential for a growing market in rural electrification projects in developing countries (Entrepreneurial Activity 9) (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996). (Because rural electrification projects would be using the technology in a new capacity, it is considered a portfolio expansion and therefore Entrepreneurial Activity.…”

“…One reason for this was that DOE experienced significant cuts in its research budget during the Reagan administration. Another contributing factor was the sharp drop in oil prices and increasing availability of inexpensive natural gas which decreased the pressure to develop renewable energy technologies (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996). The George H.W.…”

“…Diffusion 1) (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996) Resources, to implement the objectives of the task force (Guidance of the Search 4) (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996). The Department of Defense was also involved in PV development through its Photovoltaics Review Committee that was tasked with introducing cost-effective PV systems to military applications (Market Formation 2) (Dracker & De Laquil, 1996).…”