The Alliance for Renewable Energy

Columbia University Consulting Project

On behalf of the Columbia University Environmental Science & Policy Program I am delighted to announce the collaboration of EarthAction, Alliance for Renewable Energy and our Columbia graduate consulting team in promoting the widespread adoption of Renewable Energy Payments in the US.

(Photo of Columbia statue courtesy of Lois Barber.)

Solar Fact Finding Mission to Germany for Utility Decision Makers

• On a sunny day as much as 20% of all power in Bavaria, a region in Germany, is coming from PV.

• The average upfront cost of a residential photovoltaic (solar panel) system in Germany is 4,500€ (US$6,500).

• 40,000 people were employed in photovoltaic manufacturing in Germany in 2007

These are just 3 of the many facts to be found in the Summary Report of a recent solar fact finding mission to Germany. From June 9 to June 13, 2008, thirty-one utility executives and managers traveled to Germany to learn about the country’s success and experience integrating significant amounts of solar energy into the electricity grid. Throughout the five-day fact finding mission, the delegation met with numerous players in the German electricity marketplace, visited multiple solar installations, and toured the largest solar tradeshow in Europe. The report on their trip by the Northwest Solar Center, presents the key findings and provides links to more information.Download the Summary Report!