The Yang Gang +1. Elon Musk is public with his support for Andrew Yang. Let’s see who his next tweet of support goes to.
Solar Without Term. Late last week Tesla rolled out its next offering meant to jumpstart their solar division. The offer is that homeowners can get solar installed for as little as $50 and choose between three system sizes, small, medium or large. At any moment the homeowner can cancel and have the solar removed for $1,500. The monthly fee is able to go up according to early reviews of the offering. Before touching on the obvious questions, I love the idea. It’s simple and easy to understand for the homeowner. They’ll save money and produce solar without feeling the uneasiness of a 20 year deal. Tesla does take the ITC and would have to deal with the clawback if the system is removed in the 5 year period. I also have questions about the roof condition after the system is removed, caulk the holes? Color me curious to see how this plays out. Would love to hear from some of the finance folks though on how this could work on traditional structures.
Where Else? Speaking of terms in solar contracts, I want to see this happening with community solar. I want to interview the solar developer that signs subscribers up without asking for credit score or requiring a term on the contract. Month to month and if you don’t pay then your spot goes to the next person. If you know such a daring individual, introduce me.
Situational Awareness. This is DC inside baseball but Neera Tanden is important in the world of progressive politics. Yesterday she tweeted about the idea of putting solar almost everywhere in America and I gave my political blueprint. If she’s saying it out loud, don’t be surprised if campaigns are listening.
Hot Out There. July was the hottest month in history and ERCOT is calling its second emergency in a week. Earlier the market hit highs of $9,000/MWh. Wonder if any merchant solar or storage operators were in the market during those highs and if they’re year has been made.
Friday Checkback. Since many of you skip the Friday newsletter I wanted to make sure you went back and read the story about 100% RE in Utility Dive. It has generated many conversations in solar circles and well worth the read.
- Electrek: Tesla launches solar rental service, can get a solar panel system for $50 per month
- Think Progress: It’s official – July was the hottest month ever
- Utility Dive: ERCOT calls 2nd energy emergency this week, 3rd in 5 years
- Utility Dive: Why 100% renewables isn’t feasible by 2050++
- Axios: As wind and solar energy grow, so do their challenges
- Bloomberg: Walmart’s Solar Rooftops Are Powering Wage Increases (Radio)
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Solar as a crop? Penn State to install state’s largest solar array on 500 acres of farmland.
Opinion+
Have a great day!
Yann