Promotion and facilitation of practical use of photovoltaic energy
Dissemination of information; trade secret exemption
Studies and investigations
The Secretary shall—
study the effect of the widespread utilization of photovoltaic systems on the existing electric utility system at varying levels of photovoltaic contribution to the system;
study and investigate the effect of utility rate structures, building codes, zoning ordinances, and other laws, codes, ordinances, and practices upon the practical use of photovoltaic systems;
determine the extent to which such laws, codes, ordinances, and practices should be changed to permit or facilitate such use and the methods by which any such changes may best be accomplished; and
determine the necessity of a program of incentives to accelerate the commercial application of photovoltaic technologies.
Policy recommendations to President and Congress
The Secretary is authorized and directed, within one year of
the potential for integration of electricity derived from photovoltaic energy systems into the existing national grid system, including the potential of photovoltaic-generated electricity to meet the peak-load energy needs of electric utilities, load management and reliability implications of the utilization of photovoltaic electricity by utilities, the implications of utility ownership of photovoltaic components leased to others primarily for decentralized applications, the impacts of utility use of electricity derived from photovoltaic energy systems on utility rate structures, and the potential for reducing or obviating the need for energy storage components for photovoltaic energy systems through utility interface;
the extent of competition between firms currently engaged in the fabrication and installation of photovoltaics components and systems as it affects the character and growth potential of the American photovoltaics industry, and the likelihood that small photovoltaic firms will have reasonable opportunities to compete and participate in the various programs authorized by this subchapter;
the need to identify legal alternatives to ensure access to direct sunlight for photovoltaic energy systems, the appropriate methods of encouraging the adoption of such alternatives, and the implications of widespread utilization of photovoltaic energy systems for land use and urban development;
the availability of private capital at reasonable interest rates for individuals, businesses and others desiring to establish commercial enterprises to manufacture, market, install, and/or, maintain photovoltaic components and systems, or purchase and install such systems for private, industrial, agricultural, commercial or other uses;
the need for industry-wide warranty and reliability standards for photovoltaic energy components and systems for private sector applications, and, if appropriate, the mechanisms for establishing such standards; and
the attainability of the goals specified in section 5581(b) of this title, and any modification of such goals which the Secretary proposes for consideration by Congress, with supporting analyses.