Photovoltaic procurement strategies: an assessment of supply issues

Technical Report · Fri Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5428462· OSTI ID:5428462

Posner, D.; Costello, D.

This review report presents the results of an analysis of alternative approaches to the design of a federal photovoltaics procurement program. Advantages and disadvantages of large purchases at fixed prices and smaller purchases for testing and demonstrating the technology are presented. The objectives and possible impacts of these purchase programs on the photovoltaic industry are described. The reactions of the industry to alternative purchase programs were assessed using personal interviews with selected companies currently active in photovoltaics. The report begins with a review of the impacts of federal procurements on other innovations, including the electronics industry, and suggests the relation of these procurements to photovoltaics. The methodology for conducting the interviews is presented next. The results of the interviews are summarized into possible scenarios of future developments in the industry and into discussions of key issues in the design of a procurement program. An appendix on the current structure of the photovoltaic industry is provided.

• Research Organization: Solar Energy Research Inst. (SERI), Golden, CO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: EG-77-C-01-4042
• OSTI ID: 5428462
• Report Number(s): SERI/TR-352-298
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
PROCUREMENT
SOLAR CELLS
COMPETITION
COST
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INVESTMENT
MANUFACTURERS
PRICES
SOLAR INDUSTRY
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
SURVEYS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
INDUSTRY
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems