Solar in California

Abstract

Solar technology is perceived as the most viable long-term solution to 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 technologies. 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 including first, second and third generation photovoltaics.