Structuring a small national or state solar energy program

• Published in: Solar Energy 1979, Vol.22 (1), p.1-7
• Main Authors: Jones, Walter H., Yarosh, Marvin M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0038-092X; 1471-1257
• DOI: 10.1016/0038-092X(79)90052-5

The methodology developed for structuring a state solar energy plan consisted in conducting an analysis of energy end-use patterns, reviewing these patterns in terms of available solar technologies, selecting the most promising technologies, and modifying the results by incorporation of a number of relevant social, economic, and political communities of interest. The paper describes the application of this methodology to the case of Florida's solar energy program. End-use analysis showed that Florida's energy problems would be best met by development of relatively low temperature solar energy methods for heating and air conditioning, while solar electric technology is not of interest to Florida. A systems analysis for the Florida program is proposed, that would consist of periodic reviews and updating of a program plan in solar energy, analysis of the impact of solar implementation on the existing energy distribution network and energy use patterns, analysis of the current status of solar cooling systems, and analysis of possible agricultural and industrial uses for solar energy. Considerations of testing, commercialization, and information dissemination are discussed.