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1974 |
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
formed. SEIA represents the interests of stakeholders in the solar industries
and acts as a lobbying group in Washington, DC. |
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1977 |
The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) formed.
SERI--now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)--is a national
laboratory that provides research and development support for solar and
photovoltaic technologies. |
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1978 |
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) mandated the purchase
of electricity from qualifying facilities (QFs) meeting certain technical
standards regarding energy source and efficiency. QFs were also exempted
from both State and Federal regulation under the Federal Power Act and
the Public Utility Holding Company Act.
Energy tax credit A 15-percent energy tax credit was added to an existing
10-percent investment tax credit, providing incentive for capital investment
in solar thermal generation facilities for independent power producers.
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1981 |
California enacted a 25-percent tax credit for
the capital costs of renewable energy systems. |
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1982 |
Solar One, a 10-megawatt central receiver demonstration
project, was first operated and established the feasibility of power tower
systems. In 1988, the final year of operation, the system achieved an availability
of 96 percent. |
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1983 |
California’s Standard Offer Contract system for Qfs provided renewable
electric energy systems a relatively firm and stable market for their
output. This allowed the financing of such capital-intensive technologies
as solar thermal-electric.
SEGS I plant (13.8-megawatt), the first in a series of Solar Electric
Generating Stations (SEGS) was installed, with output sold to Southern
California Edison Company. SEGS I used solar trough technology to produce
steam in a conventional steam turbine generator. Natural gas was used
as a supplementary fuel for up to 25 percent of the heat input.
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1984 |
Advanco and McDonnel Douglas systems demonstrated
the potential for high-efficiency 25-kilowatt dish. |
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1989 |
Federal regulations that govern the size of solar
power plants were modified to increase maximum plant size to 80 megawatts
from 30 megawatts. The larger size allowed SEGS VIII and IX to improve the
economics of the power block, controls and auxiliary equipment, and to lower
operating and maintenance costs. |
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1991 |
Luz International went bankrupt while building
its tenth SEGS plant. SEGS I through IX remain in operation today. |
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1992 |
A 7.5-kilowatt dish prototype system using an advanced stretched-membrane
concentrator, through a joint venture of Sandia National Laboratories
and Cummins Power Generation, became operational.
The Energy Policy Act restored the 10-percent investment tax credit
for independent power producers using solar technologies.
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1994 |
First solar dish generator using a free-piston Stirling engine was tied
to a utility grid.
The Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources, a public
corporation, was established to facilitate solar developments at the Nevada
Test Site. Proposals have been requested for the construction of 100 megawatts
of solar electric capacity.- 3M Company introduced a new silvered plastic
film for solar applications.
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1995 |
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) prohibits
qualifying facility contracts above avoided costs. |
