Cross-cutting: Integration

For utilities, energy efficiency and distributed PV  can help defer the need to build additional peaking generation and T&D system infrastructure. For utility customers, distributed PV provides more control over energy prices. Installing a PV system is one of a number of options available to these customers.  Their other choices include energy efficiency, energy storage, and demand response. Energy efficiency provides the most cost-effective means for addressing energy use within a home, business or community. Implementing energy efficiency measures not only reduces electricity demand but also helps reduce the size and required capital for a PV system.  The choices available can leave customers at a loss to determine the optimum balance of energy efficiency measures and PV system type and size for the specific application.  At present, there are no clear guidelines (especially in retrofit situations) on the energy efficiency measures that utility customers should consider prior to, or in conjunction with, procuring a PV system. Additionally, there is a critical gap in the ability of the current market to provide combined energy efficiency services along with PV  services for the residential sector.

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