The TEAM-UP commercialization initiative: progress of the grid-independent program

TEAM-UP is a partnership program of the US electric utility industry and the US Department of Energy which will lead to earlier sustainable utility photovoltaic (PV) markets. TEAM-UP is a utility-directed program to significantly increase utility PV usage by cofunding opportunities for PV involvement. Two primary program thrusts are included in the TEAM-UP program: grid-independent applications (GIA); and grid-connected applications (GCA). Both initiatives are intended to: (1) help develop sustainable markets and opportunities of benefit to the power production industry and its customers; (2) take advantage of commercial and business opportunities with PV technologies and the PV industry; and (3) support the expansion of utility PV markets through collective market actions or pre-commercial installations. This paper describes the GIA programs and outlines the purpose, schedule, status, and the results thus far of the GIA program.