Early application of photovoltaics in the electric utility industry

A major effort has been initiated by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop a methodology for assisting electric utilities in identifying and evaluating early, cost-effective applications and opportunities for photovoltaic systems. This effort represents a break from a past perception of photovoltaics within the utility industry. It bears little relation to large-scale generating stations in desert locations, but does take advantage of today´s photovoltaic manufacturing capabilities. The project focus is on powering equipment commonly used by utility telecommunications, environmental, and transmission departments. The methodology developed with help from EPRI project host utilities and now being tested with utilities is described