News & Events
The Installed Price of Solar Photovoltaic Systems in the U.S. Continues to Decline at a Rapid Pace
The installed price of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems in the United States fell substantially in 2011 and through the first half of 2012, according to the latest edition of “Tracking the Sun,” an annual PV cost-tracking report produced by Berkeley Lab.
Cities Enticed by Pay-if-You-Save Energy Deals
[New York Times] When the city of Brea, CA set out to make city buildings more energy efficient, they turned to an energy-savings performance contract that requires no upfront costs and allows the city to pay for the project over time using the savings on utility bills. Unlike some aspects of energy policy, the legislation has generally received bipartisan support, said Berkeley Lab’s Charles Goldman.
Why is Rooftop PV Cheaper in Germany than in the U.S.?
Analysis by EMP researchers points to higher “soft costs” as the primary explanation for a wide disparity in the installed costs for residential photovoltaic systems here and in Germany.
Tax Credit in Doubt, Wind Power Industry Is Withering
[New York Times] At its peak in 2008 and 2009, the wind industry employed about 85,000 people. About 10,000 of those jobs have disappeared since, as wind companies have been buffeted by weak demand for electricity, stiff competition from cheap natural gas and cheaper options from Asian competitors.
The Economic Impact of Wind Energy
In wind-rich counties from Texas to North Dakota, installations of wind turbines increase total personal incomes and create jobs, according to research conducted by EMP economists and colleagues at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The Limits of Financing for Energy Efficiency
EMP researchers sounding a cautionary note on banking on financing alone to accelerate energy efficiency. Their report shows that financing can, in some cases, increase the leverage of public dollars. In most cases, however, it is not able to drive demand to the same degree as direct incentives like rebates and so cannot be expected to replace other incentives in the current marketplace.
Evolution of the U.S. ESCO Industry: Market Size and Project Performance From 1990-2008
Despite the onset of an economic recession, the U.S. energy services company industry managed to grow at about 7% per year between 2006 and 2008, according to EMP researcher’s definitive report on the industry. ESCOs anticipated accelerated growth through 2011 (25% per year).
Making Behavioral Savings Count – the Right Way
Residential behavior-based energy-efficiency programs have been identified as a potential major source of new energy savings. A new report and presentation by EMP researchers provides guidance on methodologies for rigorously estimating those savings.