30th Annual Student Research Conference
Net Metering and Other Solar Energy Incentives: A Multivariate Synthesis of a Disparate Literature
Jared C. Heern
Dr. Candy Young, Faculty Mentor
Recent growth in solar energy has been impressive. While previous studies have contributed substantive discoveries of the role of incentive policies and other influential variables, they have failed to consolidate those findings across all dependent variables, policy alternatives, and non-policy controls. This study builds upon previous findings and better illuminates the nuances of solar incentive policy efficacy through quantitative analysis by utilizing multiple dependent variable measures of solar energy with numerous policy incentives and a more expansive set of controls. Results lend support to the hypothesis that different incentives have different effects on varying measures of solar energy output, representing different tools for policymakers and important considerations for researchers. Further, while net metering has previously only been considered dichotomously, this study shows that examining specific net metering policy provisions is necessary. These results have implications for state policymakers as well as the field of solar incentive research moving forward.
Keywords: Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Incentives, Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Studies
Topic(s):Political Science
Environmental Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 209-4
Location: VH 1212
Time: 10:15