Probable Impacts of Budget Reductions on the Development and Use of Photovoltaic Energy Systems

摘要

Federal expenditures for the development of photovoltaic energy systems have been substantially reduced. Funding for the Federal photovoltaic program for fiscal year 1982 is $74 million, approximately one-half of the previous year's level. At the funding levels existing prior to the fiscal year 1982 budget reductions, the 1988 photovoltaic energy systems cost and production goals mandated by the Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 had little likelihood of being reached. With these budget reductions, however, achievement of these goals is even more unlikely. Additionally, the budget reductions may also have an adverse impact on U.S. leadership in photovoltaic energy technology and on the ability of small businesses in the industry to survive. Nevertheless, the outlook for the widespread use of photovoltaic energy in this century appears favorable. The industry is expected to endure despite reduced Federal support, and continue its development of this technology.