@article{Bennett2018,
       author = "Bennett, Jesse",
       title =  {{Analyzing the Effects of Policy On Residential Photovoltaic Capacity in California}},
       howpublished = "\url{https://ir.hamilton.edu/do/9d61287d-76bc-4ea2-a030-74e3035ea6da}",
       institution = {Hamilton College},
       year = 2018,
       month = aug,
       school = {Economics},
}

Creator

Date

August 10th, 2018

Description

Photovoltaic cells are an important tool that can be used to reduce a country’s carbon footprint. However, due to their high installation and repair costs, governments often provide price reductions either directly to consumers or by subsidizing producers. In this study, I use a panel econometric approach to analyze the effects of these two policy approaches across counties in California. I find that both production subsidies and consumer rebates have a positive effect on two different measures of photovoltaic capacity. The study also finds evidence of peer effects. Other results from the study include looking at the effects of various political and socioeconomic variables on a county’s solar capacity. These include finding that a county’s education level has a positive relationship to the average size of a household installation. I conclude by examining the policy implications and the future of the photovoltaic industry.

Type of Work

• Research Paper

Institution

Hamilton College

Area of Study

• Economics

Advisor

Sponsor

• Levitt Public Affairs Center

Series

Levitt Research Fellows Program

Part of Collection

Levitt Public Affairs Center

Rights Statement

The copyright for this work is held by its creators and Hamilton College. More information