Construction, consulting, design, and operations firm CH2M Hill has released the PV Cost Convergence Model, a modeling tool designed to promote the expansion of solar energy in the United States. The tool was completed as part of the company’s work with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Solar America Communities Program.
The model, which is online at PVcostconvergence.com, provides information about grid parity timelines and solar incentive scenarios for 25 cities across the country, and forecasts when distributed PV energy costs may become competitive with existing grid electricity (a target known as convergence or grid parity). The model also includes a graphic display of the effects of various incentives on grid parity in specific locations.
In a similar initiative, CH2M Hill previously developed a web-based solar mapping tool to allow a city’s residents to estimate the cost of equip the roofs of their homes with solar panels, calculate how much money a home can save, and choose fro ma list of local solar installers.
The DOE’s Solar America Communities program aims to increase the use and integration of solar energy and through federal-local partnership sand outreach, the department supports local governments’ efforts to accelerate solar energy adoption. More information about the program can be found at solaramericacommunities.energy.gov.