The novelty of this work is the fact that it introduces a rigorous and objective economic perspective of current renewable energy support mechanisms and an empirical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of these mechanisms, which is much needed in a debate often dominated by widespread. Joining a debate often dominated by widespread misconceptions, this book introduces a rigorous and objective economic perspective on current renewable energy support mechanisms and an empirical analysis of their strengths and weaknesses. It complements the analysis with operational advice on how the regulatory design may need to be modified to minimize the impact on the budget and be affordable to the poor, as well as how to identify and fill the financing gap.