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.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Oak Ridge National Laboratory 1980
• Subjects: Solar Energy; Technology Utilization; Socio-Economic Factors; Public Information; New York; Southeast Region; Massachusetts; North Atlantic Region; Local Government; Mid-Atlantic Region; National Government; Institutional Factors; Kentucky; Legal Aspects; Ohio; Communities; Great Lakes Region; 14 Solar Energy; Technology Assessment; Energy; Usa 140400* > Solar Energy > Environmental Aspects; Energy Conservation; Public Opinion; Government Policies; Education; Financial Incentives; Energy Sources; Information; State Government; North America; Renewable Energy Sources; Public Policy; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2172/5305728; https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1065061/

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.