In August 2007 the House of Representatives approved a renewable portfolio standard for the U.S. With this legislation, energy companies are obliged to generate a minimum proportion of 11% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by the year 2020.

However, a large number of U.S. states have formulated their own quotas and targets for use of renewable sources of energy. The state of California is regarded by many as a pioneer with respect to the solar sector, which in particular has benefited from expansion targets.

In 2010 the U.S. Department of Energy spent approximately $14.7 billion for the promotion of renewable energies, an amount that has almost tripled since 2007 and which accounts for nearly 55% the Government’s support for energy production.

So far, the United States has not defined a comprehensive policy for a feed-in tariff, despite the fact that in the U.S. solar radiation is about 50% higher than in Germany, for example a nation with a very successful feed-in tariff program.

Many potential investors anticipate that future legislation in the U.S. may shape our market in ways similar to that of Germany, which may enhance the stability, consistency, and predictability of solar markets across the U.S.

• Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)
• Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
• Federal Incentives and policies for PV