Cost-effective photovoltaic applications for electric utilities

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is working with electric utilities around the USA in a comprehensive program to identify and introduce applications for photovoltaic (PV) power systems which are cost-effective. Early applications, as these cost-effective PV systems are termed, can solve small and remote power supply problems for utilities, save money for utilities, and built an experience base with photovoltaics among electric utility engineers. EPRI's early applications program has four elements: (1) identify cost-effective applications for PV; (2) inform utility personnel of these applications; (3) assist partner utilities with cost-saving PV system installation projects; and (4) develop tools and methods for utilities to evaluate PV applications.<>