Modeling Distributed Generation in California

In support of analysis for the biennial Integrated Energy Policy Report, the California Energy Commission and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have partnered to study the growth of distributed energy resources in California. This study involves the use of National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Distributed Generation Market Demand model, available at https://www.nrel.gov/analysis/dgen/, to project statewide adoption of distributed photovoltaics and paired storage. 

Key outcomes of the collaboration include:

• Improved representation of California building stock, load profiles, historical adoption, and tariffs, including the net billing tariff, in the dGen model.
• Trained CEC staff members to use and adapt the dGen model for their specific needs.
• Developed a methodology for representing emerging consumer segments to potentially adopt distributed energy resources, including low-income, multifamily, and renter-occupied buildings.
• Forecasted solar photovoltaic and paired storage growth in California using a common set of modeling parameters. 

This report describes the multiyear effort, which includes a discussion of:

• Methodology and data employed in adapting the Distributed Generation Market Demand model for California to forecast solar photovoltaic and storage statewide through 2040.
• Steps taken to modify the base model to forecast solar photovoltaic adoption in emerging market segments such as multifamily or renter-occupied homes or both. 
• Future enhancements of the model.