Options, Trends and Regulatory Challenges in Residential Solar PV Finance and Ownership

To achieve zero net energy in residential dwellings, a roof mounted PV system is typically the enabling technology at the center of the energy design.  This presentation explores financing models and trends for the U.S. residential PV market.  Third-party power purchase agreements (PPAs) and lease based financing in the solar industry is less than a decade old, but they are rapidly becoming the dominant PV system delivery methods.  The PPA model faces regulatory and legislative challenges in some states.  These issues are presented and discussed with a look forward toward future developments.