SOLAR IN VERMONT: NEW LESSONS FROM THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE

摘要

Vermont, with its northern New England climate and relatively small population, is often not recognized by its residents, and others, as a small but significant leader in the development of solar and other renewable energy resources. This paper reviews the status of the solar energy markets, programs, policies, and industry in Vermont. The objectives of the paper and presentation are to raise awareness of the industry of solar activity in Vermont, and to provide advocates, policy makers, and industry stakeholders with a summary of some lessons learned in Vermont. These insights have general applicability, particularly for other States or regions that may also not be typically thought of as "sunshine" states. Sharing success stories and information from relatively small, cloudy states is helpful to build broader support for solar across the country. Several features of the policy and program environment for the support of renewable energy in Vermont are examined, with particular attention devoted to initiatives in the solar and small wind markets. Vermont started offering direct incentives for the installation of solar and small wind systems in October, 2003. In less than five months, during the middle of Vermont's winter, the program approved incentive reservations for more than eighty systems and more than sixteen systems were completed and installed. This activity has been generated with incentives which are relatively low compared to the incentives offered by many other programs. Other notable features of the Vermont program are providing incentive support for off-grid solar electric and solar hot water systems.