Incentives for Utility Scale Solar: Recommendations for Ohio Based on a Benchmark Analysis
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Date
2021-05
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Abstract
The goal of this project was to conduct a landscape assessment of best practice utility-scale solar incentives, then recommend a program to Smart Columbus that could work in Central Ohio. With the climate crisis shaping our world, states are under pressure to mitigate their harmful emission outputs by shifting to renewable energy sources. Through collaboration with Smart Columbus, a Columbus based sustainability initiative, Central Ohio has the opportunity to transition their electricity sector by investing in utility-scale solar projects. Ohio's flat topography is ideal for solar deployment on this scale, however incentivizing utility-scale solar projects remains a challenge.
Our team conducted interview with professionals in the field and compiled literature reviews to form a benchmark analysis of utility-scale solar projects in Midwestern States. We focused on the policies and programs of different states and then compared geopolitical indicators to see if these incentives were applicable to Ohio. We found a strong Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) played a key role in deployment and most policies and programs used state/ratepayer funded incentive along with community engagement. Thus, we recommend a three-pronged approach that will bolster an incentive package with complementary pieces. The three-prongs are: (1) Traditional Incentives, (2) Job Development, and (3) Community Partnership.
Description
Course Code: AEDECON 4567
Keywords
Ohio State University, Smart Columbus, Utility Scale Solar, Incentives, Columbus, Ohio, Renewable Energy