Policy

• Solar Energy Use in U.S. Agriculture Overview and Policy Issues (2011)-

  This report was written by Irene M. Xiarchos and Brian Vick of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). It focuses on the use of solar energy and the policy issues pertaining to it in the agricultural market, including a focus on solar thermal.

• Guide to Solar Thermal Incentives in Washington DC (2012)-

  This report from the District Department of the Environment, Washington DC’s local environmental agency, details how local citizens can use the city’s Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) to receive incentives for using solar thermal systems. Further information on solar thermal incentives worldwide can be found here.

• Solar Water Heating and Rainwater Towers in Florianópolis, Brazil (2009)-

  This report was written by the Laboratory for Energy-efficiency in Buildings (LabEEE), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. It focuses on solar water thermal heating and rainwater towers that were installed in affordable housing for low-income citizens of Brazil.

• Solar Heating and Cooling in Austria - Status Report (2009)-

  This report - presented to the International Energy Agency Solar Heating and Cooling Programme in 2009 - gives an overview of the solar heating and cooling industry in Austria.

  This includes an outline of the national and European regulatory environment, and the research programmes used to further technological development in the sector. Austrian public expenditure for energy research is specified as €31,886,023 in 2007, of which €826,852 was directed towards solar heating and cooling.

• Macroeconomic Impact of the Solar Thermal Electricity Industry in Spain (2011)-

  This report - commissioned by Protermosolar and carried out by Deloitte – gives a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the main macroeconomic variables in Spain derived from technology from 2008 to 2010; and forecasts their future impact. It gives an overview of the different solar thermal technology in Spain and outlines the supporting regulatory framework. This is followed by sections on macroeconomic results, the research, development and innovation effort, and the environmental impact of current technology.

• Technology Options of Solar Thermal Systems in South-East Asia – Lessons learned from Thailand and Vietnam (2012)-

  This power point presentation - given by Dr Ing Christoph Menke (University of Applied Sciences, Trier) – outlines the technology options and market potential for solar thermal systems in South-East Asia. After an overview of global solar thermal technology, it outlines the potential for solar water heating in Thailand, the temperature ranges for different food industrial processes, and gives an overview of the subsidy programmes implemented between 2008 and 2011.

  These subsidies had several positive effects:

• Kenya: Regulation Increases Solar Water Heater Uptake-

  Although Kenya’s Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations 2010 have not yet come into force officially, they have already had an effect on the market. The draft of the regulation says that, “within a period of five years from the date of when these regulations come into force, all owners of existing buildings that require more than 100 litres of hot water per day shall install and use a solar water heater”. “This requirement has retroactive effect,” confirms Bernard Osawa, former Director Renewable Energy at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). “It is cheaper for a house builder to include a solar water heater during the construction of the building today than it is to retrofit the system in five years.” The regulation applies mainly to urban areas, because rural households do not use hot water at all.
  Photo: Center for Alternative Technologies Kenya Ltd

• Summary of Achievements for ProSTO project (2011)-

  This document summarises the main achievements of ProSTO, an IEE funded project on the ‘best practice implementation of solar thermal obligations’. Implemented by Ambiente Italy, the project ran from 2008-2010 in five European countries (Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal Romania), with the general objective to ‘boost the use of solar thermal systems in the European countries by promoting an efficient implementation of solar thermal obligations (STOs)’.

• Arizona Solar Energy and Economics Outlook (2009)-

  This report was arranged by William P. Patton, Ph. D., Economic and Business Research Center, University of Arizona. The document discusses the need for the United States to make the switch from fossil fuels to solar energy as a more reliable and environmentally sound energy source.

  A study was conducted in Arizona in order to discover the potential for solar electric generation in Arizona and also to figure out the economic and environmental impacts on the increased use of solar power.

• Italy: Political Frame Condition Update-

  The change at the helm of government in Italy has already had some positive effects on the solar thermal sector. The tax credit extensions were confirmed earlier than in the years before. At the beginning of December, the government approved the extension until 31 December 2012 under the current conditions. If they had not done so, the tax reduction would have expired at the end of 2011. According to the current regulations – in place since January 2011 – residential customers can deduct 55 % of the investment costs from their income tax during a period of 10 years.

• Regulatory Framework for CST Promotion (2010)-

  This presentation was made during the Southern African Regional Workshop on Concentrating Solar Thermal Power that took place in Botswana in May 2010. The event was organised by the Energy Anchor (ETWEN) and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and co-sponsored by the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Resources of the Government of Botswana.

• Italy: Law 28 lays Foundation for Renewable Heat Feed-in Tariff- Italy is among the countries which have declared ambitious targets for the solar heating and cooling sector in its National Renewable Energy Action Plan. The administration made the first step towards reaching those aims by implementing Law Number 28, approved on 3 March (see the attached document in Italian).

  The law includes several important items with regard to the solar thermal sector:

• Schemes for Subsidizing Renewable Energy Driven Desalination (2010) -

  This report was released as part of the Project ProDes (Promotion of Renewable Energy for Water production through Desalination). The project ProDes (2008-2010) brings together 14 European organisations in order to support the market development of renewable energy desalination technology in Southern Europe.

• New and Improved Incentive Schemes in Canada - Canadians benefit from a series of improvements that the federal supporting measures for solar thermal technology brought forth. First of all, the funding for the ecoEnergy Retrofit Homes Program – a programme for residential home owners - has been increased by 300 million Canadian Dollars (CAD). The rebate for the solar thermal system of an individual family rose from CAD 500 to CAD 1,250.  
• Concentrating Solar Power: Global Outlook 09-

  This 2009 report looks into the global outlook of concentrating solar power (CSP). The report first looks into the different CSP technologies and makes a comparison based on the advantages and disadvantages. The report also provides an overview of the CSP development by region. For certain countries per region a more detailed assessment is provided. In particular, the potential of the Mediterranean and the MENA region is being assessed.

• Great Britain: Contradictory Results from two Market Surveys-

  A recent survey of UK Solar Trade Association (STA) members has concluded that solar thermal business has dropped dramatically over the last 3 months. Since the arrival of the new UK Coalition Government, the survey found that almost 50% of solar thermal installers are reporting a 75% or greater reduction in business. New jobs are also being affected, with 65% of members considering temporarily leaving the solar thermal sector and 7% leaving permanently (find the full report attached).

• Solar Victory in the U.S.-

  The first days of October were sunny days for the renewables in the United States. First the Senate and two days later the House of Representatives passed the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 which extends the 30 % investment tax credits (ITC) for solar thermal systems as well as photovoltaics through 2016.

• Current Status of Renewable Energies in the Middle East North African Region (2007)-

• China: Beijing Mandates Solar Hot Water Systems-

  On 1 March 2012, Beijing followed many other large Chinese cities in introducing its own solar thermal mandatory law. The new regulations are stipulated in document No. 3/2012, “Beijing Urban Construction Applications Management Approach”. Article 9 describes the scope of the new regulations: Newly built residential houses of up to 12 floor - as well as hotels, schools, hospitals, and swimming pools - are obliged to install a solar thermal hot water system if no waste heat is used to cover domestic hot water demand. The photo shows a block of flats in the city of Jinan, 400 km southeast of Beijing, in which a solar obligation has already been in place for several years.
  Photo: Bärbel Epp

• China: Architects and Engineers Surveyed on Solar Obligations -

  “The solar mandatory laws in provinces and cities in China constitute a very good policy. Only the implementation methods seem rather inappropriate in some cases,” Joseph Huang summarised the results of a study among architects and engineers in the Chinese solar thermal sector in a presentation held at the conference Solar Thermal Power Forum in Beijing in February 2012. The study was carried out on behalf of the Chinese International Metal Solar Industry Alliance (IMSIA). Huang himself is Project Manager Building Energy Management at the Chinese office of the International Copper Association (ICA) and also founded the IMSIA in November 2010.
  Photo: Bärbel Epp

• Solar Water Heating & The CDM (2009)-

  This document was created by Green Markets International, and focuses on solar thermal water heating in the context of climate protection and economic development. Examples from Brazil demonstrate how solar water heating could be successful in emerging economies, but is falling victim to “business as usual”.

• Bulgaria: Sofia Seeks ESCO model for Solar Systems on Public Buildings -

  Making Sofia a “clean and green city” and “a European capital in sustainable development” is what Yordanka Fandukova (see photo) promised before being re-elected as mayor in October of 2011. As an important part of her plans, she named the installation of solar thermal energy facilities on roofs of public buildings, such as nurseries, schools, hospitals and administrative centres. However, the implementation has not worked out as desired, admits Irina Savina, Sofia’s Deputy Mayor for Investments and Construction. So far, only five nurseries have been equipped with a solar water heating system. Photo: Wikipedia

• Argentina: Rosario City Plans Public Building Solar Obligation-

  In July of 2011, the city council of Rosario - a city located between Buenos Aires and Santa Fé - agreed to establish a solar ordinance. However, to put it into practice, the authorities would have to also work out and publish an actual regulation. In December 2011, the environmentalist organisation Taller Ecologista, which put a lot of effort in getting the solar ordinance passed, published its recommendations on how to draft the regulation, including system definitions and technical specifications.
  Figure: Taller Ecologista

• Solar Action Plans in POLIS Cities (2010)-

  This document is one of the deliverables of the EU-funded project POLIS - identification and mobilization of solar potentials via local strategies (2009-2012). The project aims at boosting the development of solar energy with regards to urban planning and decision making in six European cities: Lyon and Paris in France, Munich in Germany, Lisbon in Portugal, Malmö in Sweden and Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain).

• Paolo Frankl Speaks About IEA's 2012 Solar Heating and Cooling Roadmap -

  This is an interview with Paolo Frankl from IEA made during the ESTEC 2011 conference in Marseille. Paolo explains that IEA is paying more attention to heating and its contribution to consumption. The IEA will release by spring 2012 a solar heating and cooling roadmap. Solar energy in the heating sector is expected to increase significantly. The main drivers to this increase are the environmental concerns (CO2 reductions), but also energy security.

• Design, Construction and Operation of CSP Solar Thermal Power Plants in Florida (2011)-

  This document was assembled by the University of Southern Florida and the Florida Energy Systems Consortium (FESC) as an overview of their developments with solar thermal systems. More specifically, this focuses on the design, construction and operation of CSP Solar Thermal Power Plants in Florida. This project aims to develop a solar thermal power technology that will lead diverse energy resources in Florida and reduce greenhouse emissions by utilizing renewable sources.

• China's Solar Thermal Industry: Threat or Opportunity for European Companies? (2003)-

  This is an article wrote by Li Hua from the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. Li Hua speaks about the Chinese solar thermal market and how it has experienced a fantastic growth without any government subsidies.

• Howard Johns Speaks About the UK Grant Schemes -

  In this interview, Howard Johns, from Southern Solar, speaks about the UK Solar Trade Association and the different grant schemes in the UK like the renewable heat incentive, the green deal, among other.

  Please visit our YouTube Channel for more Solarthermalworld.org Interviews

• Solar Water Heaters Development in MENA Region (2009)-

  This is a presentation from Dr. Mohamad Kordab (Energy Expert of the Damascus University) during the “Solar Thermal Applications workshop” held in Syria. The event was jointly organized by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), regional organizations from Syria and Egypt and the German Development Cooperation (GTZ).

• Albania: 75,000 m2 of Newly Installed Collector Area-

  Alongside the government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) officially launched a solar water heater project in Albania, with its first workshop in Tirana on the 4^th of December. The project titled “Country Program of Albania under the Global Solar Water Heating Market Transformation and Strengthening Initiative” aims at installing 75,000 m² of new collector area in the country and supporting sustainable market growth targeting at annual sale figures of 20,000 m² by the end of the project in 2015.

• Current Status and Perspectives of Solar Thermal in Ecuador (2011)-

  This presentation was delivered during the UNEP (United National Environment Programme) Regional Workshop jointly held with OLADE (the Latin American Energy Organization) in Chile (June 2011) in the framework of the Solar Water Heating Transformation and Strengthening Initiative. Its author is Mr. Luis Manzano from the Ecuadorian government.

• History of Solar Thermal in Peru (2011)-

  This is a presentation made during the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Regional Workshop of Solar Thermal Water Heating in Chile in June 2011, organised by the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme).

• Initial Market Assessment Report North Africa & Middle East (2011)-

  This report is one of the deliverables of the “Global Solar Water Heating Market Transformation and Strengthening Initiative” project, initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Copper Association.

• Initiative for Transforming and Strengthening the Solar Thermal Water Heating Market in Latin America and Caribbean (2011)-

  This is a presentation made during the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Regional Workshop of Solar Thermal Water Heating in Chile in June 2011. This presentation of Eduardo Noboa from OLADE, the Latin American Energy Organisation, passes in review the solar thermal market of different countries in South America: Brazil, Argentina, Barbados, Colombia, Nicaragua and Peru.

• Initiative for Transforming and Strengthening the Solar Thermal Water Heating Market - the Mexican Case (2011)-

  This is a presentation done by Mr. Edgar Marin from OLADE during the UNEP (United National Environment Programme) Regional Workshop held in Chile, in June 2011, about the UN-funded project Solar Water Heating Transformation and Strengthening Initiative.

• Chile’s National Programme in the Framework of the Global SWH Market Transformation and Strengthening Initiative (2011)-

  This is a presentation delivered by Programa Solar during a workshop on the use of solar thermal technologies in Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) in the framework of its cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

• Solar Heating & Cooling, SEIA, and Your Company (2012)-

  This presentation was developed by Katherine Stainken of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and was used to educate members and nonmembers of the association on the benefits of SEIA policy advocacy activities focused on solar thermal. It is a good summary for those interested in the lobbying efforts of the solar thermal industry at the state level.

• India: Rajasthan Subsidises Electricity Bill of Solar Water Heater Users-

  The Indian state of Rajasthan has strongly supported the market for solar thermal technology. Since 2004, the state in the northwest of India has had a comprehensive mandatory law for solar water heaters: Solar energy use has been an essential requirement in setting up new hospitals, sports complexes, swimming pools, hostels, barracks, hotels, industrial buildings in which hot water is needed to process the goods, as well as public buildings and residential buildings with a plot size of 500 m² and above. In 2011, the state government has also granted an indirect subsidy to residential users of Solar Water Heaters (SWH). Having come into force three months ago, the scheme allows every SWH user to receive a rebate on its electricity bill of INR 0.25 INR/kWh of electricity, capped at a maximum of INR 300 per month – independent of the age of the system.
  Photo courtesy: Jaideep Malaviya

• Belo Horizonte's Steps Towards a New Solar Energy Legislation (2010)-

  This case study was written by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. It focuses on the city of Belo Horizonte, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, and recaps their experience in passing a solar thermal hot water heating system mandate for their city.

• The WB Clean Technology Fund. MENA Renewable Energy Program (2009)-

  This is a presentation from Mr. Mohab Hallouda (World Bank Energy Specialist) during the “MENA Energized: Regional Challenges to "Green the Power" Sector” event held in in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It was jointly organized by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and the Euro Mediterranean Energy Market Integration Project (MED-EMIP).

• Poland: Draft of Renewable Energy Sources Law-

  On 22 December 2011, the Polish Ministry of Economy presented the draft of a new Renewable Energy Sources Law. It includes a renewable building obligation for the private and public sector, as well as a one-time tax deduction for private solar thermal customers (in addition to the grants offered by the Polish National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, NFOŚiGW). The new regulations are thought to boost the Polish solar thermal market in the long term. At first, the RES Law was said to be introduced on July 1, 2012. However, delays in legislative procedures will most likely postpone the new regulations to later this year, so that they are going to take full effect in 2013.
  Source: Wikipedia

• Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Rebate Program (2011)-

  This report was written by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. It provides information on the goals and structure of the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 as it pertains to solar thermal hot water heating.

• Qualitative Approach for Solar Water Heaters. The Tunisian experience (2009)-

  This is a presentation delivered by Mr. Noureddine Ketari from the Tunisian Institute Aptitudes during the Regional Workshop on Standardization and Certification of Solar Water Heaters organized by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in Tunisia.

• Non-Conventional Energy Sources in Colombia (2011)-

  This is the presentation of Mr. Henry Zapata from the Colombian Government during the UNEP (United National Environment Programme) Regional Workshop jointly held with OLADE (the Latin American Energy Organization) in Chile (June 2011) about the UN-funded project Solar Water Heating Transformation and Strengthening Initiative.

• South Korea: Commercial Sector Dominates-

  The commercial solar thermal market is gaining importance in South Korea. According to the Korea New and Renewable Energy Center (KNREC), only 43 % of the glazed and subsidised collector area in 2010 was installed in residential housing. The majority of systems were set up in public buildings because of a mandatory renewable law, and in social welfare facilities due to a 50 % investment subsidy. The KNREC pie chart of the collector market in 2010 adds up to 69,805 m². The statistics do not include thermosiphon systems (not subsidised by the government), as well as certain not certified types of imported vacuum tube collector systems.
  Source: KNREC

• Tunisian Norms and the SWH Testing Procedures (2009)-

  This is a presentation delivered by Mr. Rafik Zaiane a Tunisian ministry official, during the Regional Workshop on Standardization and Certification of Solar Water Heaters organized by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in Tunisia.

• Debating the Way to a Mediterranean Solar Plan (2009)-

  This is a presentation from Dr. Albrecht Kaupp (MED-EMIP Team Leader) during the “MENA Energized: Regional Challenges to "Green the Power" Sector” event held in June in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It was jointly organized by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and the Euro Mediterranean Energy Market Integration Project (MED-EMIP).

• Sweden: Increased Subsidy Budget-

  Solar roof in the Swedish city of Onsala: The increased subsidies in Sweden focus on larger collector fields – like the 220 m² plant from 2005.
  Photo: Jan-Olof Dalenbäck

• The Emergence of a Regulatory Framework in the MENA Region. Perspective from the Maghreb Countries (2009)-

  This presentation was delivered by Mr. Rafik Missaoui, a Tunisian Energy expert, during the “MENA Energized: Regional Challenges to "Green the Power" Sector” event held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The event was jointly organized by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and the Euro Mediterranean Energy Market Integration Project (MED-EMIP).

• Thermal Regulations and Energy Performance of Buildings – the French Case (2010)-

  This is a presentation delivered by Enerplan during the “Setting up the Right Incentives to Boost Solar Thermal in Europe” webinar organized on November 30, 2010, within the framework of ProSTO project, funded through the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme.

• Concentrating Solar Power: Its Potential Contribution to a Sustainable Energy Future (2011)-

• Training Course on Solar District Heating (2011)-

  This document comprises training material developed in the framework of the SDHtake-off project with the support of Intelligent Energy Europe Programme. It has been designed as a “pool” of information to be used by all training organizations. It gives a broad overview of the solar thermal technologies employed for district heating, their characteristics as well as the legislative and technical requirements that are applicable in the EU.

• Technical Specifications for Solar Energy Installations (2010)-

  The Decree No. 314/010 was issued by the Uruguayan authorities with the purpose of outlining the minimal technical conditions to be met by solar thermal installations. It regulates the use of these technologies, also serving as a guideline for all users, with a main focus on durability, reliability and security requirements.

• Harnessing the Power of the Sun: Future of Solar Energy (2009)-

  Owing to the significant potential that the country is offering, New Zealand’s Solar Industry association tries to promote the use of solar technologies in different sectors. The presentation comprises an outline of the available solar technologies – passive, photovoltaic and solar thermal – and gives a more in-depth description of the latter given its multiple advantages and spread within the country.

• Solar District Heating – Macro Analysis Report (2011)-

• Solar Board (2009)-

  The presentation of the Mesa Solar project occurred during the “International Solar Energy Forum on the Development of Solar Technology and Industry under the Financial Crisis” in Lanzhou, China. The goal of the presentation was to attract investors by raising the awareness about Uruguay’s potential in this sector.

• Solar Energy Technologies Program (2009)-

  This two page factsheet is an overview of the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Program. Written by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this report summarizes the recent initiatives and strategic focus of DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Program and touches on regulatory efforts to help the burgeoning concentrating solar power (CSP) market sector.

• Success Factors in Solar District Heating (2010)-

  The 'SDHtake-off - Solar District Heating in Europe' project is a EU-funded project (under the European Commission Programme IEE Intelligent Energy Europe)supporting the market rollout of solar district heating in Europe. It started on July 2009 and runs for a period of three years. This document is one of its deliverables, describing the development of SDH capacities in Europe as a result of the existing policies and incentives.

• A Guide to Buying Solar Water Heating (2009)-

  Because of the climatic conditions of New Zealand and the positive impact of solar water heating technologies the country’s authorities encourage the use of this type of installations. This resulted in the issuing of a free guide by the country’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

• QualiCert Report: Assessment of Existing Accreditation and Training Schemes (2010)-

• Rebate Programme in Ireland: 9,500 Systems Installed-

• Evaluating the Potential of Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Energy in Compliance with the Technical Building Code (2011)-

  The study published by the Spanish Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) presents an in-depth analysis of the solar thermal energy potential for domestic hot water and swimming pool water heating, as well as the benefits of the solar photovoltaic energy feeding into the grid. A key reference for the study has been the text of the Spanish Technical Building Code (CTE) in force.

• Solar Thermal Application in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Syria and Tunisia (2009)-

  This paper is the Cairo workshop report concerning Solar Water Heater (SWH) technologies used in the six Arab countries. The workshop was organized by the Egyptian-German Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in cooperation with GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) and with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The aim was to compare the use of SWH technologies and to present a SWH market overview of those countries.

• Current Status of Solar Thermal Power in California (2010)-

  This presentation from San Diego State University reviews the status of solar thermal energy in California. Parabolic troughs, linear Fresnel, central tower receivers, and parabolic dishes are all discussed as the present solar thermal methods in California. The Rankine, Stirling, and Brayton Cycles are visually represented and discussed in the presentation as well.

• South Africa: Solar Water Heating Strategy & Implementation Plan -

  Last November, South Africa's Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) published the draft of an “Overall Recommended Strategic Framework”. The framework is to come into effect in April 2010. This strategy should help to equip 1 million households with solar water heaters by 2014.

• 5 Star Standard: Western Australia Adds the “Plus”-

  The Government of Western Australia aims to increase the efficiency of water heating systems in new residential buildings.  The 5 Star Plus energy and water efficiency requirements stipulate that new home builders install either an energy efficient gas water heater, a solar water heater or a heat pump (see table below). “We give homeowners the choice”, says Angela Heymans from the state’s Department of Commerce. All three types of hot water heating systems are approved as being highly efficient by the Sustainable Energy Development Office in Western Australia.

• Bulgaria: BEERECL Programme Extended -

• 25 Years of Different Subsidies in India: an Overview-

  Under the new national subsidy scheme of the government of India some more solar cities like Magarpatta in Pune, Maharashtra State, will be realised. The solar thermal market in India has seen a lot of different subsidy models over the years.
  Photo: Magapatta City

• Spain: Solar Obligation since 2006 -

  In March 2006 the Spanish Government passed the new Technical Buildings Code (CTE). It has been the most significant reform of the country’s building sector in decades. The law covers safety, health and noise protection issues in buildings, and it deals with sustainability and energy efficiency aspects. The solar sector of the CTE includes an obligation regarding the use of solar thermal energy in all new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation and/or changes of use. Solar energy is supposed to cover 30 to 70 % of the domestic hot water demand.

• Which are the main market drivers?- Generally speaking, you can differentiate between naturally growing markets and incentive driven markets. In the former, low-cost solar water heaters are already an economic alternative for households to produce hot water instead of using fossil fuels or electricity. Some examples are: China, which is the biggest solar thermal market in the world, Cyprus which has one of the highest solar thermal capacities in operation per capita in the world, and Turkey, which is the third biggest market in the world.
  
• Which are the big players of the industry?- You have fast-growing independent producers here which focus on the production of solar thermal components only. Some of these companies are more than 30 years old, like the German Wagner & Co, the Israeli Chromagen and the US-American Sun-Earth. But the global market leaders today are newer firms like Greenonetec in Austria, the biggest flat-plate collector manufacturer in the world, which was founded in 1991 (turnover 2008: 117 million Euro). Find the ranking of the biggest flat-plate collector manufacturers here.
  
• QualiCert Manual (2011)-

  This manual is one of the deliverable of the QualiCert project started in July 2009 which obliges Member States to develop and mutually recognize certification or equivalent qualification schemes for installers of small-scale renewable energy systems (solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, heat pumps, etc.) by December 2012.

• Present and Future: Solar Thermal in the US (2009)-

  This presentation analyzes the state of the solar thermal market in the US in 2008. It was first presented at the 2009 Solar Thermal Roadmap Symposium hosted by the Solar Energy Industries Association.

• Achieving the Solar Thermal Advantage with Solar Thermal Purchase Agreements (2010)-

  This document focuses on how we can achieve maximum energy efficiency with the use of solar thermal systems along with strong solar thermal purchase agreements. It brings to our attention the opportunities we have to use solar thermal systems on facilities such as dorms, hotels, barracks, residential housing and fitness centers. The presentation was first presented at GovEnergy, a tradeshow and workshop that covers energy management for federal employees and government stakeholders.

• Renewable Energy Projects as Published in the National Renewable Energy Action Plans of the EU Member States (2011)-

  This report, compiled by the Energy Research Centre from the Netherlands with the help of the European Environment Agency, has been published in February 2011 and illustrates the targeted levels of renewable energy production that the EU member-states want to obtain by 2020.

• On the Sustainable Development of Solar Thermal Obligations in Buildings in the Framework of the Portuguese Case (2008)-

  This paper was presented by a group of researchers of the INETI (National Institute of Engineering, Technology and Innovation), during the EUROSUN Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2008. The paper explains the steps given to prepare a solar thermal obligation (STO) in the country. It passes in review the existing legislation and incentives for the development of solar thermal in Portugal. A regulation for thermal performance of buildings was created in 2006 to comply with the European Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/CE).

• Feasibility of Solar Energy for Domestic Hot Water and Heating (2006) -

  This is a poster prepared by Carlos Henrique Porfirio and Dalva de Araujo Vieira from the Architecture and Urbanism College of University of São Paulo, in Brazil. It analyses different options for domestic hot water and heating. The poster includes an introduction about solar energy, both PV and thermal, the international market and the Brazilian market as well. The document analyses the Brazilian market in terms of available legislation, main barriers and potential. It also refers examples of legislation in Germany, Israel and Spain.

• Best Practice Regulation for Solar Thermal -

  This study is a tool to support the design of effective regulations to promote the use of solar thermal heating and cooling (ST) and to reduce administrative barriers, with the aim of helping policy makers at the local, regional, national and European levels to design policies most suitable to accelerate the growth of ST, as needed to reach the EU‟s binding target of a 20% renewable share by 2020.

• Public-Private Partnership for the Promotion of Solar Energy in Uruguay (2010)-

  This publication includes information about the creation of Mesa Solar in 2007 with the support of UNESCO. Mesa Solar has been created to support the development of solar water heating in Uruguay. Mesa Solar gathers different public and private organisations, from government, civil society and companies.

• Guide to Getting Permits for Solar Thermal Hot Water Installations (2009)-

  This is a guide on how to obtain a permit for solar thermal hot water installations in the city of Berekely, CA. It was published by the City of Berkeley Green Building Initiative.

  The guide is a good example of how local governments are communicating the various policies, incentives and regulations surrounding solar thermal and other renewable energy sources to their local populations. The guide touches on the benefits of solar thermal, the incentives that the government offers for those installing a system and how to go about registering for those incentives.

• South Africa: Clarity sought on Future of Rebate Scheme-

  There has been no decision yet regarding the future of the national residential incentive programme by South African utility Eskom: As of 12 July 2011, the utility counted a backlog of all in all 53,208 applications. This is more than half of the number of all applications approved since the beginning of the programme in 2007 (84,214 application). 76 % of the applications that are still pending approval deal with open loop systems. Closed loop systems make up the smaller proportion, with 12,644 still pending applications.
  

• Water Policy Considerations: Deploying Solar Power in the State of Arizona (2010)-

  This report on concentrating solar power (CSP) was produced by the United States Senate Office of Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona.

  The report focuses on the effect of CSP on the supply of water in Arizona. The report finds that conventional CSP production would be back overall for the state of Arizona because CSP uses a much larger supply of water than other renewable energy sources. As there are other renewable energy options, the report says that CSP would not be an appropriate solar energy source for Arizona because it would lean to heavily on its water supply.

• Funding for Commercial Solar Water Heating Projects-

  The Renewable Energy Market Transformation Project (REMT) aims at supporting Commercial Solar Water Heating (CSWH) projects during the next four years. There is a total funding available of US$ 17.3 million. So far there is no final word on how CSWH projects will be supported.

  This text was written by communication specialist Hanna Schober based in South Africa. Schober_hanna@gmx.at
  
  

• India: Solar City Rajkot introduces Property Tax Rebates -

  A satisfying record: The Indian city of Rajkot in Gujarat state, Western India, has seen the installation of more than 16,000 residential systems and over 700 commercial solar water heating systems since the Municipal Corporation implemented a solar building bye-law in March 2004.
  Photo: Jaideep Malaviya

• Solar Thermal Policy and Market in Japan (2007)-

  This presentation looks into the market situation in Japan and touches upon the weaknesses in the policy framework which negatively impacted the development of the solar thermal market.

  Following the peak of 1980, the solar hot water market went in a steep decline. A decrease in oil price, a badly designed policy and the weak competitiveness of the industry are listed as the chief reasons for this downturn.

• SWHs Industry in Syria. Current Situation & Prospects (2009)-

  This presentation was made during the Workshop on Solar Thermal Applications in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan which took place in Cairo, on 24 March 2009. The document includes vast information on Syria (energy indicators, an assessment of the energy sector, analysis of the electricity demand, state of the art of the solar water heating technology and industry, R&D, standards and regulations, etc).

• Emerging Technology Option for Clean Power Generation - Concentrated Solar Power (2009)-

  This 2009 paper underlines the overall benefits of solar power especially when considered as part of a country or region's energy generation options mix. In addition to listing the available technologies, the document also looks into the economics of solar thermal and provides a summary comparison among parabolic through, central receiver and parabolic dish technologies.

• Concentrating Solar Power for Seawater Desalination (2008)-

  The authors of this 2008 paper aim to demonstrate the importance concentrating solar power has for desalination of freshwater. Due to the projected growth in economy and population and the anticipated increase in future water consumption in the MENA region, the paper shows that the CSP technology has the potential to provide a solution for the growing water deficits.

• Potential for Solar Heat in Industrial Processes (2008)-

  This paper from 2008 wants to highlight the potential use of solar thermal plants to provide heat for industrial applications. It reports on studies which have been carried out accross the world: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Portugal and Spain.

  The report states that the main focus of solar thermal today is on the residential sector, which, as is acknowledged, has a lot of opportunities. However, the report also shows that the potential for industrial applications may not be ignored due to its share in primary energy consumption.

• The Thai Solar Thermal Industry Outlook (2007)-

  This document was produced by the Solar Thermal Association in Thailand. It provides a thorough overview of the Soltherm project. The Market Development Solar Thermal Applications in Thailand project (Soltherm Thailand) is funded by the EU-Thailand Economic Cooperation Small Project Facility (EU-SPF) and jointly implemented by the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE), the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE).

• Promoting Renewable Energy Technologies for Rural Development in Africa: Zambia Experience (2008)- This paper, prepared by Universities in Zambia and in Belgium, examines Zambia’s efforts to exploit renewable energy technology. The document shows that in rural areas solar home systems are being used, but just for an elite group of rural population The challenges of renewable energy use in Zambia include inadequate policy provision and implementation, lack of awareness among rural households about the benefits of renewable energy, the high cost of technology and the undeveloped nature of renewable energy markets.

   

• “We were prepared for this Outcome” -

  In most of the National Renewable Energy Plans (NREAPs), solar thermal was not a priority. Only 8 countries announced significant collector area and growth rates (see news here). solarthermalworld.org asked Xavier Noyon, Secretary General of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF), about the reasons behind this lack of consideration, and about the actions which have to be taken now.
  Photo: ESTIF

• Romania: Solar Heating and Cooling in its political Infancy -

  Romania is a good example for a country that is still only beginning to establish a policy for solar heating and cooling – not merely on the side of the government, but also on the side of the industry and its suppliers. As of 21 December 2009, there has not yet been a date announced for the first draft of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP).
  

• Energy Directive Adopted by European Parliament-

  It's a great step forward acknowledging solar heating and cooling to be a key factor for climate protection: For the first time, heating and cooling is covered by an European Directive. The new Energy Directive was adopted with 634 votes in favour and only 25 against and 25 absent in the European Parliament at the 17^th December 2008.

• REPAP 2020: Implementation of the RES-Directive at National Level (2009)- Christine Lins, Secretary General of EREC, made this presentation during a workshop, organised by ESTIF, in Brussels, on the RES Directive implementation. The presentation provides an overview of the RES Directive and the measures national authorities have to put in place to comply with the legislation, this is, the national renewable energy action plans (NREAPs). Related to this, the presentation also outlines the main objectives of the project REPAP, created to facilitate the process of implementation of the RES Directive on a national level Read presentation below
• Poland: a Coalition Setting High Solar Thermal Targets -

  Grzegorz Wisniewski (left), President of the Institute of Renewable Energy (IEO) in Warsaw, initiated the foundation of a coalition between solar thermal manufacturers and distributors during the second Solar Energy Industry Forum in Poznań, Poland, in May this year. Photo: IEO

• Green Institute Issue Brief on Solar Energy (2008)-

  This report was issued by the Green Institute in 2008 and discusses the option of a “solar carve-out” to build Minnesota’s solar future.

  To develop Minnesota’s renewable sources beyond 25 percent, development of additional renewable energy will be necessary, specifically solar technology.

• Dynamic Market Growth in the UK-

  The UK was still one of the most dynamic solar thermal markets in Europe in 2008 – despite the worldwide economic crisis. According to the British Solar Trade Association (STA), the amount of solar thermal collectors installed countrywide in 2008 grew by 50 % to 81,000 m² (57 MW_th)."

• Market Report for Enlarging Solar Thermal Systems in Multi-Family-Houses and Hotels in Europe (2007)-

  Solarge is a European co-operation project promoting the installation of collective solar thermal systems (CSTS) with collector areas of 30m2 and larger. The project looks in particular to multi-family buildings, hotels, public and social buildings. This report, which has been revised in 2007, compiles and assesses data relative to 8 national CSTS markets.

  The research looked, among other points, to the level of development of the national solar thermal market and to what extent the political and legislative framework hampers or promotes the development of CSTS.

• Economic Impact of Solar Thermal Electricity Deployment in Spain (2006)-

  Given a "favourable regulatory framework" for the deployment of solar thermal power plants currently exists in Spain, this study from 2006 estimates the economic impacts of solar thermal power plants and the impact derived from the compliance of the solarthermal power objectives stated by the Spanish Renewable Energies Plan 2005-10.

  Using a socio-economic analysis (using gross added value, and employment generation) the study finds that: