April 27 - Student Discussion

Discussion led by Chrystie Burr, Graduate Student, Eller College of Management

Structural Modelling Approach to Solar PV Demand Estimation

In this research I recover the demand for photovoltaic (PV) systems using a dynamic structural modelling approach. This model asserts forward-looking decision making, with the expectation that the price of solar panels and incentive subsidies to change in the future. Data from the California Solar Initiative program is used for the study. The declining incentive schedule in this program is ideal from the modeling perspective. Ultimately, a counterfactual policy analysis will be conducted to find the optimal incentive policy.

The Diffusion of Renewable Energy Technologies

This study provides an evaluation of the performance of five renewable energy technologies used to generate electricity: biomass, geothermal, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, and wind and served as an extension to the McVeigh, et al (1999). We compared the actual performance in terms of costs  and installations and of these technologies against stated projections that helped shape public policy goals over the last three decades. The previous study shows significant difference between the success of renewable technologies in penetrating the U.S. electricity generation market and in meeting cost-related goals, when compared with historic projections. The explanation is based the declining price of conventional generation. This serve as a concern for the future of renewable energy technologies given the new development in extracting once hard-to-reach natural gas deposits.