Solar energy in California – can policies and new technologies change the energy mix ?

Abstract

Solar technology may be one of the most viable long-term solutions to satisfy the future global energy demand. Particularly, in regions such as California with abundant sunshine, solar technology has significant growth potential. Californian government policies have been put into place to foster solar technology and utilities are increasingly embracing solar installations as part of their alternative energy mix. California, and in particular the San Francisco Bay Area, have also been the breeding ground for many new solar companies. This presentation will focus on solar photovoltaics and review some of the recent policies and technological developments in California. Examples of technological advances from industry and academia will be given.