| 1974 |
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) formed |
SEIA was formed in 1974. The association represents the interests of stakeholders in the solar industries and acts as a lobbying group in Washington, DC |
| 1977 |
The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) formed |
SERI--now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL)--was formed in 1977. NREL is a national laboratory
that provides research and development support for solar
and photovoltaic technologies. |
| 1978 |
Public Utility Regulatory
Policies Act (PURPA) enacted |
PURPA mandated the purchase of electricity from qualifying
facilities (QFs) meeting certain technical standards regarding
energy source and efficiency. QFs were also exempted from
both State and Federal regulation under the Federal Power
Act and the Public Utility Holding Company Act. |
| 1978 |
Energy tax credit |
A 15-percent energy tax credit was added to an existing 10-percent investment tax credit, providing incentive for capital investment in solar thermal generation facilities for independent power producers. |
| 1980-85 |
Oil price increases expected |
During the early 1980s, the price of oil rose and was expected to increase at rates substantially above inflation. Because forecasts of energy prices were based on fossil fuel prices, the market for renewable energy projects was strong. |
| 1981 |
California State energy tax credit |
The State of California enacted a 25-percent tax credit for the
capital costs of renewable energy systems. |
| 1982 |
Solar One in operation |
Solar One, a 10-megawatt central receiver demonstration
project, was first operated in 1982 and established the
feasibility of þpower towerþ systems. In 1988, the final year
of operation, the system achieved an availability of 96
percent. |
| 1983 |
California Standard Offer Contracts |
California's Standard Offer Contract system for QFs provided
renewable electric energy systems a relatively firm and stable
market for their output. This allowed the financing of such
capital-intensive technologies as solar thermal-electric. |
| 1983 |
13.8-megawatt SEGS I plant installed |
The first in a series of Solar Electric Generating Stations
(SEGS) was installed in 1983, with output sold to Southern
California Edison Company. SEGS I used solar trough
technology to produce steam in a conventional steam turbine
generator. Natural gas was used as a supplementary fuel for
up to 25 percent of the heat input. |
| 1984 |
25-kilowatt dish Stirling systems
demonstrated | Advanco and McDonnel Douglas systems demonstrated the
potential for high-efficiency dish Stirling systems. |
| 1989 |
Size limit for qualifying facilities increased to 80 megawatts |
In 1989, Federal regulations that govern the size of solar power plants were modified to increase maximum plant size to 80 megawatts from 30 megawatts. The larger size allowed SEGS VIII and IX to improve the economics of the power block, controls and auxiliary equipment, and to loweroperating and maintenance costs. |
| 1991 |
Luz International filing for bankruptcy |
Luz went bankrupt while building its tenth SEGS plant. SEGS I through IX remain in operation today. |
| 1992 |
7.5-kilowatt dish prototype operational |
In 1992, a prototype system using an advanced stretched-membrane concentrator, through a joint venture of Sandia National Laboratories and Cummins Power Generation, became operational. |
| 1992 |
Investment tax credits restored by the Energy Policy Act |
The Act restored the 10-percent investment tax credit for independent power producers using solar technologies. |
| 1994 |
Free-piston Stirling engine prototype tied to grid |
The first solar dish generator using a free-piston Stirling engine was tied to a utility grid. |
| 1994 |
Proposed solar enterprise zone in Nevada |
The Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources, a public corporation, was established to facilitate solar developments at the Nevada Test Site. Proposals have been requested for the construction of 100 megawatts of solar electric capacity. |
| 1994 |
Silvered film enters market |
3M Company introduced a new silvered plastic film for solar applications. |
| 1995 |
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) prohibits qualifying facility contracts above avoided Costs |
In a ruling against the California Public Utilities Commission, FERC refused to allow a bidding procedure that would have the effect of allowing rates above avoided cost for power purchases from renewable QFs. |