This is your SolarWakeup for January 19th, 2020

The Big Tent. Developing solar has a big tent and needs to be expanded. Solar definitely has a NIMBY aspect, local communities when they are not involved in the process tend to fight against the idea. Joe Biden said this about transmission during the campaign season. We also need to be aware of the different communities that should be consulted and involved including Native American tribes. By including more groups we will find more supporters.

Climate Through Energy. Before he is sworn in, Biden is already saying that the Keystone XL permit will be canceled. If you remember, this was one of the first issues Trump took on when he came into office. This is not just an environmental statement but also a finality to the type of fuel we will need as a Country for the future. Transportation will be electric, bringing down dirty oil does not have a longterm economic certainty. The overlap between environmental impact and energy will be far and wide, providing economic opportunity for innovators and market participants like many of us.

VPP En Masse. A new player is getting a VPP contract in Hawaii. Swell energy recently raised $450million in capital from Ares and Aligned. The reality is that while VPPs are largely focused on platform owned projects will be at the benefit of individual homeowners. Storage does not need to be owned by 3rd parties for homeowners to benefit from putting their distributed resource into an aggregation, something that large players aren’t saying out loud because they are hoping for the sales pitch against individual ownership to continue.

Correction. Yesterday I said that Trump extended the 201 tariffs for modules, which was an error. The 201 tariffs for solar have been initiated for review to determine the extension by Trump but not actually extended. Apologies for the mistaken information.

Inauguration Week. On Wednesday, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. While solar has always soared above the partisan politics of DC or States, there is an undeniable alignment between the solar industry’s and Biden administration’s goals. The Clean Energy for Biden team is hosting an inaugural ball, taking shape in a different format, that you can attend from the comfort of your home. Some of the industry’s biggest supporters and names will be in attendance, will you join? You can learn more and buy tickets here.

Calling All Peloton Riders. Like many of you stuck in quarantine, unable to get to the gym, I joined the cult of Peloton. I have been watching and riding with some friends and realized that while we are apart, this brings us together in camaraderie and competition. You may have also seen that SEIA’s CEO, Abby Hopper, is an avid Pelotoner so we figured it’s time to #Ride4Solar. Add the hashtag to your profile to network with other solar pros, other cleantechers are welcome of course. Tomorrow, we’re taking the 8am Cody Rigsby live class if you want to join live or take it later in the day. Just another way to be together! #Ride4Solar

Join The Residential Solar Rocketship. Suntuity Solar is one of the fastest growing solar companies in the Country and we’re looking to hire the best to join us. Our executive team is hiring for VP of Operations, HR Director, Director of Talent and more positions at all levels of experience. If you or someone you know is looking to expand their career, send Suntuity an email!

Opinion

Best, Yann