"These systems alone, again, if built as planned, could prove the long held adage that economies-of-scale willlead to sharply lower module costs, which in turn will produce vastly larger markets for PV"This is a summary of some other proposals for multi-megawatt photovoltaic power projects. None of them are formally agreed and face various difficulties in achieving final agreement. But they show that there are opportunities for significant expansion, and what is missing is the political and corporate decisions to make them happen.
75-200 MW in Arizona
The Arizona Corporation Commission has voted to approve rules stipulating that from a four-year period beginning in 1999, 0.5 per cent of power (up to 1 per cent by 2001) must come from a photovoltaic or thermal source. At the minimum requirement, this figure represents 75-200MW of utility photovoltaics. The upper range of 200MW is "considered realistic, or even conservative". Observers believe that Arizona’s action "could lead other state utility regulatory bodies to adopt similar renewable energy mandates" and that if approved, this project is likely to be "regarded in the future as a landmark in PV technology commercialisation worldwide".41
50MW in California
Four US solar energy groups have proposed a $96 million, six-year plan to deploy 50MW of PV creating 20,000 grid-connected solar systems with a goal of $3/Wp.42
4MW in Hawaii
Amoco/Enron is "in final negotiations" with Hawaiian Electric to build a 4MW PV Power station in 1997.43 The cost is estimated to be $2.03/Wp.44
100MW India
Sun Source of India and Energen International Amoco/Enron solar have obtained letters of intent for a power purchase agreement with the State of Rajasthan in north west India for two projects of up to 50MW. The plan is modelled on the Solar Enterprise Zone in Nevada. The entire capacity of 50MW is set to be installed by 2002, with Amoco/Enron installing 4.6MW this year and 6.3 per year, subsequently.45
220MW Arizona
The Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources is attempting to negotiate contracts with the four different companies involved, but no deal has yet been signed. Amoco/Enron Solar is negotiating for a 10MW plant, with construction scheduled to begin in 1998.46 The then Energy Secretary Hazel O’Leary commented that "these projects and the projects that will surely follow represent a giant step in solar commercialisation. It is comparable to the first commercial steps in semiconductors that resulted in US global leadership and the vast industry we call silicon valley".47
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