Why Aren’t Rural Electric Cooperatives Champions of Local Clean Power?

Date: 18 Aug 2014 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 10 Facebooktwitterredditmail

When it comes to ownership, there are few better structures for keeping a community’s wealth local than a cooperative. So why is it that America’s rural electric cooperatives are tethered to dirty, old coal-fired power plants instead of local-wealth generating renewable power? There are a lot of answers to this question, but it might start with … Read More

Listen: A Solar Ownership Comeback? John Farrell Talks with Arnie Arnesen on WNHN

Date: 13 Aug 2014 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

A month ago I wrote about the potential for a comeback for solar ownership (instead of leasing) as the economics and options for ownership continue to improve. Yesterday I discussed this trend in depth on “The Attitude” with Arnie Arnesen on WNHN. Subscribe to the podcast here, or listen by clicking the player below:  

A Few Weeds in Minnesota Decision to Allow Community Solar Gardens to Grow

Date: 11 Aug 2014 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Late last week, Minnesota regulators made a decision that may finally allow community solar projects to move forward (for Xcel Energy customers) in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. However, the Public Utilities Commission decision also highlighted the shortcomings of the legislature’s distributed solar policy adopted in 2013. What was missing? Minnesota’s increasingly well-known “value of solar” … Read More

Can PUCs Lead on Distributed Renewable Energy?

Date: 7 Aug 2014 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

If you’re like most renewable energy advocates that have interacted with a Public Utilities Commission, you probably don’t think they’re a repository of progressive policy toward distributed renewable energy.  In general, you’re right. But it’s worth sharing a few, promising examples of Public Utilities Commissions around the U.S. that are actually making things better for distributed … Read More

With Liberty and Solar for All

Date: 1 Aug 2014 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 1 Facebooktwitterredditmail

For over 100 years, the American economy has been fueled by enormous expansion of fossil fuel energy. It has emitted a disproportionate share of its environmental impact (too much) and economic rewards (too few) on those less fortunate. More than any 21st century energy source, solar can power an equitable and environmentally sound energy future.  Solar … Read More

A $6 Billion Opportunity for the Rural Energy Economy

Date: 25 Jul 2014 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 2 Facebooktwitterredditmail

One of the biggest barriers to making investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy is the upfront cost. So what if members of rural electric cooperative and rural municipal electric utilities could borrow money for small-scale improvements on the same terms as the utilities for their large-scale power plants? Starting in 2014, they can. The USDA’s … Read More

California’s Reserve Fund Won’t Lift the FHFA Boot From PACE’s Neck

Date: 15 Jul 2014 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 2 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Earlier this year, the state of California announced a $10 million loan-loss reserve to solve the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s severe restrictions on using property-tax based financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy on residential property. It’s a great concept, but evidence from on of California’s best property assessed clean energy (PACE) programs suggests the reserve should … Read More

Is Solar Ownership Poised for a Comeback?

Date: 10 Jul 2014 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 1 Facebooktwitterredditmail

With “no money down” and “zero maintenance” to attract homeowners, solar leasing has become the overwhelming favorite for residential solar installations. And with the complexity of tax incentives, rebates, and financing, it’s hard to find fault with homeowners that choose this low-effort option. Update: We published our solar ownership calculator in September 2014. But giving up … Read More

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