Jerry Yudelson, P.E., LEED AP, Vice Principal and Sustainability Director, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore.

A New Sell for Photovoltaics

With the rise in oil prices appearing to be permanent, and continued concern over global warming, why do we still have problems getting more photovoltaics into our building projects? Currently, PV systems are used in less than 20% of all LEED-certified projects. Typically, the answer is "It costs too much." Current numbers show little economic justification for PV as an "add-on" energy supply for public projects, at least those that do not receive any tax benefits or for private projects in areas with no utility credits or low peak-period power rates. That said, perhaps the next step in making PV successful comes down to adding some "sizzle" to the steak.