In Depth

Much More Rooftop Solar from an Alternative to Monopoly Utility Models

Much More Rooftop Solar from an Alternative to Monopoly Utility Models

John Farrell

March 4, 2021

A new modeling approach from Vote Solar and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) might finally put distributed solar on the same footing in grid planning as the large power plants that utilities prefer.  READ MORE


Recently Posted

Much More Rooftop Solar from an Alternative to Monopoly Utility Models

Much More Rooftop Solar from an Alternative to Monopoly Utility Models

John Farrell

March 4, 2021

A new modeling approach from Vote Solar and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) might finally put distributed solar on the same footing in grid planning as the large power plants that utilities prefer.  READ MORE


National Community Solar Programs Tracker

National Community Solar Programs Tracker

Maria McCoy

March 2, 2021

19 states have policies allowing some form of community renewable energy. This quarterly update (2020 Q4) shows the capacity built in states with most active programs: Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York. It focuses on programs in investor-owned utility service territory.  READ MORE


Should Big Utilities Pay for Their Bad Choices? — Episode 124 of Local Energy Rules

Should Big Utilities Pay for Their Bad Choices? — Episode 124 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

February 24, 2021

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, republished from ILSR’s Building Local Power podcast, host John Farrell and guest Leslie Glustrom discuss utility accountability and how to equitably transition to clean energy.  READ MORE


Colorado’s Community Solar Program

Colorado’s Community Solar Program

Lilli Ambort

February 17, 2021

In 2010, Colorado passed the Community Solar Gardens Act, enabling its now fully-fledged community solar program. This post summarizes the policy and compiles additional Colorado community solar resources.  READ MORE


Innovative Solar Model Can Help All Xcel Customers Save on Electric Bills

Innovative Solar Model Can Help All Xcel Customers Save on Electric Bills

Jess Del Fiacco

February 16, 2021

The most affordable, cleanest and job-creating way for Xcel Energy to meet future electricity demand is to set higher incentives for local solar power, a group of clean energy advocates demonstrated in a legal filing at the Minnesota Public Utilities  READ MORE