From our friend Paul Gipe pgipe@igc.org, www.wind-works.org 

Download the new report HERE: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy10osti/44849.pdf
Authors: Toby D. Couture (E3 Analytics);
Karlynn Cory (NREL);
Claire Kreycik (NREL);
Emily Williams (U.S. Department of State)
Abstract:
Feed-in tariffs (FITs) are the most widely used renewable energy
policy in the world for driving accelerating renewable energy (RE)
deployment, accounting for a greater share of RE development than
either tax incentives or renewable portfolio standard (RPS) policies.
FITs have generated significant RE deployment, helping bring the
countries that have implemented them successfully to the forefront of
the global RE industry. In the European Union (EU), FIT policies have
led to the deployment of more than 15,000 MW of solar photovoltaic
(PV) power and more than 55,000 MW of wind power between 2000 and the
end of 2009. In total, FITs are responsible for approximately 75% of
global PV and 45% of global wind deployment. Countries such as
Germany, in particular, have demonstrated that FITs can be used as a
powerful policy tool to drive RE deployment and help meet combined
energy security and emissions reductions objectives. This
policymaker's guide provides a detailed analysis of FIT policy design
and implementation and identifies a set of best practices that have
been effective at quickly stimulating the deployment of large amounts
of RE generation. Although the discussion is aimed primarily at
decision makers who have decided that a FIT policy best suits their
needs, exploration of FIT policies can also help inform a choice among
alternative renewable energy policies.