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Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110

§8276 System Evaluation and Purchase Program

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

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Set up a program within 60 days after November 9, 1978 to buy and test solar electric (photovoltaic) systems that federal agencies need. The Secretary, or agencies working under the Secretary, must choose the most advanced, reliable systems they can and time purchases to help start a low-cost U.S. solar industry and private market. If money is available, they must buy no more than 30 megawatts in each fiscal year ending September 30, 1979, 1980, and 1981. Federal agencies may also buy solar systems on their own instead of using the program, but they must talk with the Secretary before they do.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §8276

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

(a)Program
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)Other procurement
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

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110