A Comparative Three-Dimensional Model Analyzing Sustainable Development in the Context of Solar Policy in Germany and California

Abstract

This report examines the overall impact on sustainable development of policies affecting solar energy in California, from 2002 to 2008, and Germany, from 1999 to 2006. Data is collected from the two different periods on the basis of three critical dimensions. The three dimensions are economic, environment and solar energy. After the data was collected, it was processed, and then entered into several three-dimensional diagrams. The diagrams are used to offer policymakers a useful tool to compare the impact of policy decisions on multiple criteria. The three-dimensional diagrams were developed as an extension and improvement of a triple triangle model used in triple-e evaluations. The three-dimensional improves over the previously two-dimensional model as it can graphically represent independent indicators in a quick and easy to understand format. After the three-dimensional diagrams were developed, the trends in California and Germany were compared and analyzed. It was eventually discovered that Germany clearly outperformed California in terms of sustainable energy.