How can you promote international cooperation on solar power policy?

Solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. However, solar power deployment faces many challenges, such as technical, financial, regulatory, and political barriers. How can you promote international cooperation on solar power policy to overcome these obstacles and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy? Here are some suggestions based on the latest research and best practices.

1 Identify common interests

The first step to promote international cooperation on solar power policy is to identify the common interests and benefits of different countries and regions. Solar power can provide multiple advantages, such as enhancing energy security, reducing energy poverty, creating jobs, improving public health, and fostering innovation. By highlighting these shared values and opportunities, you can build trust and mutual understanding among diverse stakeholders and foster a collaborative mindset.

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Peter Farley

President at Victorian Vernier Society
One thing everyone is worried about with solar is how to back it up, not just at night but on cloudy days and in winter. What is often forgotten is that the old thermal/hydro grid had a lot of backup. For example, in 2008 the Australian NEM grid had 49 GW of capacity to supply an average of 23.7 GW and a peak of 35 GW and yet still there were rare blackouts. So, part of the solution with solar is to have excess capacity, not just in MW but in MWh so if solar is required to supply N MWh/y there should be enough capacity to supply 1.4-1.7 N MWh per year. On most grids that means that solar will still supply N/52 MWh almost every week. At the plant level High DC/AC ratios and bifacial panels maintain output longer in suboptimal conditions.
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2 Align policies and standards

The second step to promote international cooperation on solar power policy is to align the policies and standards that affect the development and integration of solar power. These include policies and standards related to tariffs, subsidies, taxes, grid access, interconnection, quality, safety, environmental impact, and intellectual property. By harmonizing these policies and standards, you can reduce the transaction costs, risks, and uncertainties for solar power investors, developers, and consumers. You can also facilitate cross-border trade and exchange of solar power and technologies.

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3 Share best practices and lessons learned

The third step to promote international cooperation on solar power policy is to share the best practices and lessons learned from different countries and regions. Solar power is a dynamic and diverse field that requires constant learning and adaptation. By sharing the successful and unsuccessful experiences and outcomes of various solar power policies and projects, you can enhance the knowledge and capacity of policy makers, practitioners, and researchers. You can also identify the gaps and challenges that need further attention and innovation.

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4 Support regional and global initiatives

The fourth step to promote international cooperation on solar power policy is to support the regional and global initiatives that aim to accelerate the deployment and integration of solar power. These include initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Solar Energy Industries Association, the Global Solar Council, and the International Renewable Energy Agency. By participating in these initiatives, you can access the resources, networks, and platforms that can help you design, implement, and evaluate your solar power policies and projects. You can also contribute to the collective efforts and commitments to achieve the global climate goals.

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5 Engage in dialogue and consultation

The fifth step to promote international cooperation on solar power policy is to engage in dialogue and consultation with various stakeholders and partners. Solar power is not only a technical and economic issue, but also a social and political one. By engaging in dialogue and consultation, you can understand the perspectives, needs, and concerns of different actors and groups, such as governments, businesses, civil society, communities, and consumers. You can also build consensus and cooperation on the vision, objectives, and actions for solar power development and integration.

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Cuong Tran Duc

Business Partner @ CM Group | Innovative Renewable Energy Solutions | LinkedIn - Top Renewable Energy Voice
Engaging in dialogue and consultation by communicating and interacting with different stakeholders, you can: 1| Share your vision, goals, and challenges for solar energy development in your country or region. 2| Learn from the best practices, experiences, and lessons learned of other countries or regions that have successfully implemented solar energy policies and projects. 3| Identify potential partners, investors, donors, and customers for your solar energy initiatives and activities. 4| Build trust, confidence, and goodwill among the solar energy community and the public. 5| Create a common understanding and consensus on the benefits and opportunities of solar energy for sustainable development.
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6 Monitor and evaluate progress and impact

The sixth step to promote international cooperation on solar power policy is to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of your policies and projects. Monitoring and evaluation can help you measure the performance, outcomes, and impacts of your solar power policies and projects. You can also use the data and feedback to improve your policies and projects and to report and communicate your results and achievements. By monitoring and evaluating your progress and impact, you can demonstrate the value and benefits of solar power and international cooperation to your stakeholders and partners.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you promote international cooperation on solar power policy?

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1 Identify common interests

2 Align policies and standards

3 Share best practices and lessons learned

4 Support regional and global initiatives

5 Engage in dialogue and consultation

6 Monitor and evaluate progress and impact

7 Here’s what else to consider

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