Publication Date

5-2020

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

3-5-2020

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Science in Economics

Department

Economics

Supervisory Committee Chair

Michail Fragkias, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Kelly Chen, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Sin Ming Loo, Ph.D.

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility and viability of providing power to Ada County, Idaho, using a distributed network of rooftop solar photovoltaic panels. Using a multi-disciplinary and multi-method modeling approach, a detailed simulation is performed where existing structures are retro-fitted with grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems using currently available technology. Feasibility is determined using simulated supply and demand per building, while viability is determined through standard financial metrics used in the energy sector. A major critique of solar energy comes from the vast amounts of space required to efficiently capture solar power, along with the inefficiencies created by transmission loss and intermittency. Under a system where structures become both producers and consumers of energy, with PV panels deployed in unused rooftop space, this paper mitigates those critiques and analyzes the results. Four case scenarios are discussed based on the perspectives of differing energy stakeholders; consumers, private firms, public utilities, and national governments.

DOI

10.18122/td/1661/boisestate

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