Distributed energy resources, particularly solar PV, are growing at an unprecedented rate. GTM Research forecasts that the global market for PV will grow threefold by 2020, to a nearly 700 GW cumulative demand market and a 135 GW annual market by 2020. Assuming that rapid growth is ahead, it is fundamentally important for broader-scale distributed energy market reform to be realized in the future. This, however, is a challenging endeavor that may yet take some time.
While the industry and regulators work through the challenges associated with a new “distributed energy future,” what can be done now, within the existing utility regulatory construct to help integrate additional DERs in a cost-effective, reliable, and equitable manner?
In this engaging and thought-provoking discussion, we will explore the following questions:
- Is a “new distributed future” just around the corner?
- If market reform lags, will the grid start to become a constraint to market demand for DERs?
- How can we better understand actual utility grid limitations?
- Can additional headroom be built into the system in cost effective and reliable ways?
- What can be done within the existing regulatory model to help integrate additional renewables in an equitable manner?