CHAPTER 8 - PROMOTION OF SOLAR ENERGY USE

Abstract

This chapter discusses the supporting activities for solar energy systems and other energy-saving technologies implemented by governments, companies, energy supply utilities, solar societies and the Commission of the European Communities. Among these regulatory, financial or informative activities, governmental actions are of predominant importance. The chapter describes the governmental measures comprising regulations, funding of R&D and the provision of subsidies for all the EC countries. A review of energy policies and the attitude of governments toward renewable sources of energy illustrate the basis on which such measures have been developed. With the introduction of solar energy systems, awareness is increasing of which measures are effectively contributing to accelerate the market introduction and to reduce existing obstacles. Therefore, the supporting measures have been, and still are, subject to modifications and improvements and the presented review is necessarily of a transitory nature. As a complement to the above mentioned governmental activities, the national programs comprises steps to inform and motivate the general public. The chapter includes a list of governmental and nongovernmental institutions from which additional information on suitable energy-saving measures and information on financial support possibilities may be obtained.