In Depth

Report: How Local Ownership of Clean Energy Boosts Benefits, Busts Barriers, and Builds Power

Report: How Local Ownership of Clean Energy Boosts Benefits, Busts Barriers, and Builds Power

Katie Kienbaum

June 14, 2023

ILSR's new report, Advantage Local: Why Local Energy Ownership Matters, breaks down how locally owned clean energy can maximize economic benefits for households and communities while putting power back in the hands of people.  READ MORE


Recently Posted

Community Solar Tracker

Community Solar Tracker

Maria McCoy

September 21, 2023

ILSR tracks community solar capacity in states with formal programs that allow non-utility ownership. This quarterly update (2023 Q1) shows the capacity built in seven states, with a focus on projects in investor-owned utility service territory.  READ MORE


Don’t Follow California’s Lead on Rooftop Solar — Episode 192 of Local Energy Rules

Don’t Follow California’s Lead on Rooftop Solar — Episode 192 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

September 13, 2023

Sachu Constantine explains the obstacles and opportunities arising for the electric grid as customers become generators and what California got wrong in its 2022 net metering decision.  READ MORE


The Anti-Competitive Tricks up Utility Sleeves — Episode 191 of Local Energy Rules

The Anti-Competitive Tricks up Utility Sleeves — Episode 191 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

August 30, 2023

Seth Handy explains how utilities have, through loopholes in federal guidance and friends on public regulatory bodies, protected their own interests at the expense of clean energy projects.  READ MORE


Portland Funds Community-Led Clean Energy Projects — Episode 190 of Local Energy Rules

Portland Funds Community-Led Clean Energy Projects — Episode 190 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

August 16, 2023

Maria Sipin discusses what the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund has accomplished, how volunteers from the community have shaped the fund’s priorities, and how to evaluate project success.  READ MORE


Maryland’s Community Solar Program

Maryland’s Community Solar Program

Caroline Petterson

August 9, 2023

In 2023, Maryland passed legislation (HB 908) making permanent a successful 7-year community solar pilot program. The now-permanent program allows for unlimited capacity and requires that 40% of each project’s output serves low- to moderate-income subscribers.  READ MORE