Graduation Date
Fall 2017
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Environmental Systems, option Energy, Technology, and Policy
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Kevin Fingerman
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Arne Jacobson
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Steven Hackett
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
Economics
Abstract
Ownership structures and financing sources for photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays have a large effect on the economic feasibility of a project. This thesis examines potential ownership structure and financing combinations for a one-megawatt PV solar array in Humboldt County. The options deemed suitable for the context of the project are discussed qualitatively. A subset of the financing options and ownership structures are modeled using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s System Advisory Model to gauge their economic viability.
Access to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and other tax advantages are the most crucial variables for a competitive solar array. Not all ownership structures can harness the assistance of the ITC; selecting an ownership structure that can is likely to result in the least expensive energy, even with higher cost financing options. Due to sunsetting tax benefits, beginning a project by the end of 2018 gives it an economic advantage from which later projects are not forecasted to benefit.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Slackerelli, Mahayla Ca-va, "Ownership structures and financing options for solar energy generation in the Redwood Coast Energy Authority service area" (2017). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 89.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/89