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Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73

§8276 System evaluation and purchase program

Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 91— - NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER III— - FEDERAL ENERGY INITIATIVE › Part Part C— - Federal Photovoltaic Utilization › § 8276

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Set up a program to test and buy photovoltaic (solar electric) systems within 60 days after November 9, 1978. The Secretary, or a federal agency the Secretary allows to act, must buy the most advanced, reliable technology practicable and time purchases to help start a permanent low-cost U.S. solar production industry and grow the private market. If funds are available, they must not buy more than 30 megawatts of systems during the fiscal years ending September 30, 1979, September 30, 1980, and September 30, 1981. A federal agency may buy a solar system on its own instead of using the program, but it must talk with the Secretary first.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §8276

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The Secretary shall establish, within 60 days after November 9, 1978, a photovoltaic systems evaluation and purchase program to provide such systems as are required by the Federal agencies to carry out this part. In acquiring photovoltaic solar electric systems under this part, the Secretary (or other Federal agency acting under delegation from the Secretary) shall insure that such systems reflect to the maximum extent practicable the most advanced and reliable technologies and shall schedule purchases in a manner which will stimulate the early development of a permanent low-cost private photovoltaic production capability in the United States, and to stimulate the private sector market for photovoltaic power systems. The Secretary and other Federal agencies acting under delegation from the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, procure not more than 30 megawatts of photovoltaic solar electric systems during fiscal years ending September 30, 1979, September 30, 1980, and September 30, 1981.
(b)Nothing in this part shall preclude any Federal agency from directly procuring a photovoltaic solar electric system (in lieu of obtaining one under the program under subsection (a)), except that any such Federal agency shall consult with the Secretary before procuring such a system.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–294 inserted provisions relating to Federal agencies acting under delegations from the Secretary.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 8276

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73