Abstract
Traditionally, high initial capital costs and lengthy payback periods have been identified as the most significant barriers that limit the diffusion of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. In November, 2006, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) introduced the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP), offering owners of solar PV systems with a generation capacity under 10 MW a 20 year contract to sell electricity back to the grid at a guaranteed rate of CAD $0.42/kWh. While it is the intent of incentive programs such as the RESOP to begin to lower financial barriers in order to increase the uptake of solar PV systems, there is no guarantee that the level of participation will in fact rise. The "on-the-ground" manner in which consumers interact with such an incentive program ultimately determines its effectiveness. This paper analyzes the relationship between the RESOP and solar PV system consumers. Experiences of current RESOP participants are presented, wherein the factors that are either hindering or promoting utilization of the RESOP and the adoption of solar PV systems are identified.
Highlights
As awareness and concern over climate change continue to increase at the outset of the 21st century, attention has turned to finding solutions focused largely on carbon and energy sustainability
The results reveal that there are three key stages associated with the adoption of a solar PV system in Ontario: (i) the decision to adopt, (ii) the process of adopting, and (iii) the continued generation of solar PV electricity and participation in the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP)
While the RESOP was designed with the intention of supporting the adoption of rooftop solar PV
Summary
As awareness and concern over climate change continue to increase at the outset of the 21st century, attention has turned to finding solutions focused largely on carbon and energy sustainability. One strategy has been to turn to renewable energy resources. It has been argued that a transition to an electricity supply mix comprised of electricity generation from renewable energy technologies (RETs) and sources will require policies to facilitate their uptake [1,2,3]. Strategies such as Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) and Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPSs) have been employed to improve the diffusion of renewable energy technologies [4]. The creation of a policy, does not necessarily result in the uptake of RETs; in other words, policies do not necessarily unlock financial resources for potential investors. While a well designed policy selection process is necessary, the implementation and effectiveness of an economic instrument is of equal importance
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