A Comparative Analysis of European and U.S. Policies and Incentives Regarding Solar Energy Adoption

Doney, John

A Comparative Analysis of European and U.S. Policies and Incentives Regarding Solar Energy Adoption

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10456/57777

Author(s)

Doney, John

Date Issued

April 30, 2024

Abstract

This project provides a comparative analysis of the solar energy incentives offered in the United States (US) and European Union (EU), and investigates their impact on solar adoption as well as the financial success of companies in each region. Through an in-depth analysis of the financial records from two of the leading companies in the solar industry, NextEra from the US and TotalEnergies from France, I evaluate the effectiveness of various solar adoption incentives in each region. I compare and contrast the range of various incentives including, tax credits, grants, feed-in tariffs, and regulatory support, to determine their impact on the adoption rates of solar energy and the financial performance of renewable energy companies. I found that within the past ten years, the United States has surpassed the EU in effective solar adoption incentives. I submit that the US’s ability to utilize federal law to provide common incentives to the entire region overcomes the challenges faced by the EU’s non-governmental committee. Finally, I urge policy makers to build off of the success of federal solar incentives in the United States. Also, I suggest more European Union wide initiatives in order create investment from all member countries in supporting solar adoption.

Major

Business

First Reader(s)

Onyeiwu, Stephen Z.