Solar From The People. Check out the Energy Future Project recently launched and run by an Obama/SolarCity alumni with a focus on building out the support solar gets from the American people. I often write about the 80%+ support we get from both sides of the aisle and tapping into that is exactly what this group is working on. Great write up from Frank Andorka, who brings some great coverage to the solar industry every day.
Cost And Value. I empathize with the sentiment. If a City wants to have 100% renewables that don’t carry any long term fuel costs and volatility, how does it weigh the cost of the upfront switch with the longterm benefits. Entering into contracts with a 3rd party is one way to do this but existing assets are sometimes beyond their breakeven point and only have to cover their fuel costs. So here is a hypothetical for you. In a City within a competitive power market, how would you provide 100% renewable energy and what would it cost if they gave you a 20 year contract.
Handout. The complaints from local solar companies eludes logic for me. I know that Florida’s solar market has been tough for them and watching a 20mw solar farm be built is painful especially if you are trying to make a living selling 50kw to the local business. Aside from the new argument that community solar is competitive with self generation, solar farms are not a business model for small contractors to work on. Unless you have the bonding, balance sheet and safety records, you can’t compete with the general contractors that build these assets. This isn’t up to the IPP either, their lenders and tax equity investors require the contractor warranty to be something that can’t be found in a local contractor.
What The DPU. The DPU in Massachusetts is in the process of creating the new SMART program rules but is also tending to new business. Unfortunate to see Eversource ask for, and receive, demand charges for net metering customers. Step in the wrong direction according to policy advocates.
Storage In NY. Energy storage in New York is getting some traction in the news and legislation. Should it be part of the SolarWakeup Live! agenda? If so, what segment should be heard?
Sponsor New York. If you enjoy reading this newsletter, go below and support the SolarWakeup Live sponsors. Now that I’ve gotten you to see who they are, add your company to the list. Contact me to sponsor this and future events. Tickets are also available here, use code WAKEUP25 for a discount.
- PV-Magazine: Political, solar vets launch advocacy group to get clean energy on ballots
- Grist: Pueblo wants to go all-in on renewables. Low-income residents want fair rates. Can they work together?
- Tallahassee Democrat: Local companies argue for piece of City Utilities’ solar project
- Utility Dive: Massachusetts approves new demand charge for Eversource’s net metering customers
- Greentech Media: The Best News Yet for Energy Storage in New York
- Washington Post: Trump says climate policies kill jobs. California’s oil country proves the opposite.
- Post and Courier: Solar companies ask new S.C. Energy Caucus to lift cap on residential solar
- Sacramento Bee: SMUD removes ‘solar surcharge’ from customer bills
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann