In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a nation-wide programme to investigate the environmental and demand-side management (DSM) benefits of distributed, grid-connected PV systems. The co-sponsorship programme has so far gained support from 21 electric power companies

During 1993-1994, 11 power companies jointed Phase I of the EPA programme with the ambition of evaluating how grid-connected PV systems might contribute to their DSM programmes and assist their pollution reduction strategies. The USD 1,1 million project, which saw 101 kWac of PV installed on residential and light commercial buildings in 17 cities across the USA is cost shared with 50% being met by the EPA and the remainder by the participating utilities.

Indications show that the systems are contributing to reduce peak demands, particularly on warm, sunny afternoons during midsummer when air conditioning loads are high. There is also considerable potential for replication. Environmentally, the project indicates that during summer months, each kW of PV installed could prevent the emission of 70-180 kg per month of CO2.

Phase II demonstrations with a total installed capacity of 216 kWac, a wider geographical coverage, and a more pronounced focus on commercial, institutional and industrial buildings have now commenced. The 12 utilities involved are expected to meet over 65% of the USD 2,5 million project costs. In addition to continued monitoring of the pollution reduction potential for DSM PV systems, these projects are now helping to refine design so that systems can be more easily and safely installed in future and will be compliant with relevant electrical codes.

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