Architecture and Planning ETDs

Publication Date

4-27-1979

Abstract

Solar energy has emerged as a viable power source that in the near future may provide a significant portion of the energy needs for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. However, several financial and institutional hurdles must be cleared before the solar industry can establish a competitive edge with conventional energy sources. Second only to cost, the major concern of the industry at present is the interface between the solar consumer and the electric utility. Solar energy, because of its erratic nature, is not an ideal technological match with the electric utility, particularly when solar customers use electricity as their auxiliary energy source. Many utilities are carefully analyzing solar energy to use it to their advantage. Other electric utilities view solar energy as a threat to their pricing structure or load profiles. Four customer/electric utility interface problems are discussed (Conventional System/Electric Utility, Conventional Systems with Load Management, Solar System/Electric Utility, and Solar Systems with Load Management) with possible solutions rendered. Also included in the discussion is a case study of a solar energy/electric utility interface problem that emerged in Colorado in 1976.

Solar Energy/Electric Utility Interface

Utility Rates and Regulations

Interruptible and Time-of-Day Rates

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Architecture

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Architecture and Planning

First Committee Member (Chair)

Edith Ann Cherry

Second Committee Member

Job S. Ebenezer

Third Committee Member

T. Michael Lechner

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