# § 3177. Use of photovoltaic energy in public buildings
**(a)** **Photovoltaic Energy Commercialization Program.—**
**(1)** **In general.—** The Administrator of General Services may establish a photovoltaic energy commercialization program for the procurement and installation of photovoltaic solar electric systems for electric production in new and existing public buildings.
**(2)** **Purposes.—** The purposes of the program shall be to accomplish the following:
**(A)** To accelerate the growth of a commercially viable photovoltaic industry to make this energy system available to the general public as an option which can reduce the national consumption of fossil fuel.
**(B)** To reduce the fossil fuel consumption and costs of the Federal Government.
**(C)** To attain the goal of installing solar energy systems in 20,000 Federal buildings by 2010, as contained in the Federal Government’s Million Solar Roof Initiative of 1997.
**(D)** To stimulate the general use within the Federal Government of life-cycle costing and innovative procurement methods.
**(E)** To develop program performance data to support policy decisions on future incentive programs with respect to energy.
**(3)** **Acquisition of photovoltaic solar electric systems.—**
**(A)** **In general.—** The program shall provide for the acquisition of photovoltaic solar electric systems and associated storage capability for use in public buildings.
**(B)** **Acquisition levels.—** The acquisition of photovoltaic electric systems shall be at a level substantial enough to allow use of low-cost production techniques with at least 150 megawatts (peak) cumulative acquired during the 5 years of the program.
**(4)** **Administration.—** The Administrator shall administer the program and shall—
**(A)** issue such rules and regulations as may be appropriate to monitor and assess the performance and operation of photovoltaic solar electric systems installed pursuant to this subsection;
**(B)** develop innovative procurement strategies for the acquisition of such systems; and
**(C)** transmit to Congress an annual report on the results of the program.
**(b)** **Photovoltaic Systems Evaluation Program.—**
**(1)** **In general.—** Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish a photovoltaic solar energy systems evaluation program to evaluate such photovoltaic solar energy systems as are required in public buildings.
**(2)** **Program requirement.—** In evaluating photovoltaic solar energy systems under the program, the Administrator shall ensure that such systems reflect the most advanced technology.
**(c)** **Authorization of Appropriations.—**
**(1)** **Photovoltaic energy commercialization program.—** There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (a) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010. Such sums shall remain available until expended.
**(2)** **Photovoltaic systems evaluation program.—** There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (b) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010. Such sums shall remain available until expended.
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**Source Credit**: (Added Pub. L. 109–58, title II, § 204(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 653.)
## Editorial Notes
### References in Text
The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is the date of enactment of , which was approved .