Distributed power generation and energy storage : potential effects of extending tax incentives

Abstract

Solar PV penetration has been increasing rapidly in the U.S. in recent years. This growth can be attributed to multiple factors; one of which is financial incentives in the form of tax credit programs. One of the most effective tax credit programs in the U.S. is a federal tax program known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC program has been extended in recent years, and is currently set to expire in the early 2020s. This work conducts scenario analysis to evaluate the effects extending the ITC will have on the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) as opposed to allowing it to expire as it is currently set to. Particular attention is paid to the effects on LCOE as this helps evaluate whether solar PV will stay economically competitive compared to other sources of electricity and thus provides some guidance on the role of the ITC in accelerating the adoption of solar PV.