Decentralized Solar Energy Technology Assessment Program: review of activities (April 1978-December 1979)

• Main Authors: Bronfman, B.H., Carnes, S.A., Schweitzer, M., Peelle, E., Enk, G.
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: 14 SOLAR ENERGY; COMMUNITIES; SOLAR ENERGY; INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS; SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS; TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT; EDUCATION; ENERGY CONSERVATION; FINANCIAL INCENTIVES; GOVERNMENT POLICIES; KENTUCKY; LEGAL ASPECTS; LOCAL GOVERNMENT; MASSACHUSETTS; NATIONAL GOVERNMENT; NEW YORK; OHIO; PUBLIC INFORMATION; PUBLIC OPINION; PUBLIC POLICY; RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES; STATE GOVERNMENT; TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION; ENERGY; ENERGY SOURCES; GREAT LAKES REGION; INFORMATION; MID-ATLANTIC REGION; NORTH AMERICA; NORTH ATLANTIC REGION; SOUTHEAST REGION; USA; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5305728; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5305728; https://doi.org/10.2172/5305728

The Decentralized Solar Energy Technology Assessment Program (TAP), sponsored by the Office of Solar Energy, Department of Energy, is a technology assessment and planning activity directed at local communities. Specifically, the objectives of the TAP are: (1) to assess the socioeconomic and institutional impacts of the widespread use of renewable energy technologies; (2) to involve communities in planning for their energy futures; and (3) to plan for local energy development. This report discusses two major efforts of the TAP during the period April 1978 to December 1979: the community TA's and several support studies. Four communities have been contracted to undertake an assessment-planning exercise to examine the role of solar renewable energy technologies in their future. The communities selected are the Southern Tier Central Region of New York State, (STC); Richmond, Kentucky, Kent, Ohio; and Franklin County, Massachusetts. Descriptions and progress to date of the community TA's are presented in detail. Two major support study efforts are also presented. A review of existing literature on the legal and institutional issues relative to the adoption of decentralized solar technologies is summarized. A preliminary analysis of potential socioeconomic impacts and other social considerations relative to decentralized solar technologies is also described.