Market impact of a large-scale PV buildings program

This paper explores the rapidly changing solar technologies market and the potential impact of a new Federally sponsored Million Solar Roofs Initiative (MSRI) designed to encourage the domestic market for solar building technologies. Photovoltaic (PV) technology has reached a critical point in its development. Over the course of a decade, the PV industry has experienced tremendous growth through greater technology efficiency, the introduction of new solar technology applications (PV shingles, facades, etc.), and lower production costs. In order to achieve its full commercial potential, significant improvements are still needed along with the removal of existing market barriers. DOE's analysis of the impact of the MSRI indicates that it could significantly reduce the cost of PV technology and improve efficiencies through manufacturing economies of scale, market experience, and industry competition.