| abstract | This thesis contributes to ameliorating anthropogenic climate change by making policy recommendations to make solar energy more
affordable. First, this thesis discusses the relevant economic lens to evaluate rooftop solar electricity-and its fossil fuel alternatives. Chapter one identifies
the Pigovian approach and its application to electricity production. Since fossil fuels impose negative externalities on society, the Pigovian approach calls for
increasing the cost of fossil fuels. Meanwhile, since solar electricity offers positive externalities, its price should be lowered.
Chapter two discusses the underlying factors that influence solar panel demand. These relevant variables can be manipulated by policy to make solar panels more
appealing to consumers. In chapter three, four states' (Oklahoma, California, New Jersey, and Florida) approaches to rooftop solar policy are examined, critiqued
and compared.
Chapter four introduces the policy recommendations produced in this thesis. These recommendations are based on the relevant variables identified in chapter two and
the case studies in chapter three. This thesis found that, in order for states to encourage solar panel growth, states must eliminate policies that discourage solar
panel purchases and implement taxes on fossil fuel competitors. In addition, states should offer net metering, feed in tariffs, tax incentives, rebates, and programs
specifically geared to make rooftop solar more affordable to lower income communities. By implementing these policies, states can improve the environmental and
economic sustainability of their electricity portfolios.
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