California Solar Associations Push for Feed-in Tariffs

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Feed-in tariffs (FIT) have helped promote renewable power in about 64 jurisdictions throughout the world, and California solar industry associations contend it's long past time to implement those policies in the U.S. to help solar and other renewable energy technologies grow faster. The call for FIT policies came during a conference of state and regional solar groups held in San Francisco last week. Generally, FITs have three primary components: a contractual guarantee that power produced will be purchased over several years, access to the electric grid, and purchase prices tied to the cost of power production. "Oregon launched its version of the Feed-in Tariff on July 1, and the initial allocation was fully subscribed in less than 15 minutes," said Glenn Montgomery, executive director of the Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association. "The demand is clearly present."

Quick Take: Is it time for FIT policies in the U.S.? A lot of high-powered research firms and advocates say they've proven far better than incentives in helping Europe reach its renewable energy goals. What do you think of FITs as a Smart Grid strategy? Use the comment form below to weigh in.

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