Mainstream Climate Discussions. American Progress held its annual CAP ideas conference. One of the panels included Tom Steyer and Governor Inslee moderated by Axios’ Amy Harder. The entire discussion is available to view but we have your bullet point recap. Inslee has been seen and heard on the national stage selling the climate change opportunity and a carbon fee to solve the problem. Steyer was a bit more wonky, shocking I know. His commentary included a desire for more community solar and the actions he is supporting to increase the RPS in Arizona and Nevada.
Quality, Fast and Cheap. With over 10GW of solar going up every years in the US alone, including more than 200,000 homes, we have to create some introspection about the quality of asset we leave behind. Driving the price down upfront gets more solar in the ground but if the asset doesn’t last 25 or more years, solar is at risk of losing investor confidence in the long term. For residential that also means installing systems that keep the roof watertight for the duration of the life of the asset. I hear too many stories about installations done without quality racking systems with no regard for the quality homeowner’s roof. You can do it the cheap way to cut corners but if you do, you are going to get caught. So just do it the quality way which will make you more money with happy customers providing referrals.
Where Are The Jobs? In the case of Illinois, they are fast approaching. As I prepare for SolarWakeup Live! Chicago, every company I talk to is in the process of hiring and training personnel for all sorts of jobs. On the other hand, MA is losing jobs by adding demand charges to its customers and slowing the market down. In an economy of full employment, we are seeing amazing pay scales for solar professionals that make achieving prevailing wages possible and hopefully track with the diversity in the State. Solar can and should be a market of diversity and inclusivity.
Thermal And Efficiency. A new podcast from solar guru Barry Cinnamon with a solar thermal topic. Last week I announced the formation of the SolarWakeup residential solar advisory council and I’ve spoken to many of you. (You can still join, just send me an email). One of the interesting ideas is that solar installers are adding solar thermal and efficiency to help with savings. What unique tricks are you using to close deals?
- SolarWakeup: Panel Says We Will Win The Climate Change Battle (Their Mouths To Universe’s Ears)
- GreenBiz: When cheap doesn’t cut it – Why energy buyers should look at value, not just cost
- Salem News: Solar workers, advocates lobby Beacon Hill
- Bloomberg: Solar Beats Coal on U.S. Jobs
- Utility Dive: Cypress Creek cancels 1.5 GW as solar tariffs take toll
- SolarWakeup Podcast: The Energy Show – Best Ways To Heat Hot Water For Your Home
- SolarWakeup: Who’s Behind This Anti-California-Ruling Media Blitz?
- Greentech Media: If Solar and Wind Hit 50% of Generation, US Wholesale Energy Prices Could Fall 25% or More
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann