In Depth
Much More Rooftop Solar from an Alternative to Monopoly Utility Models
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
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
ILSR and Partners Launch Plan to Create 30 Million Solar Homes
Jess Del Fiacco
February 10, 2021
Our country currently faces three major challenges: rebuilding the economy, addressing the climate crisis, and rectifying racial injustices. Building local solar to serve 30 million homes — the equivalent of one in four American households — can help us solve all three. READ MORE
Recently Posted
Much More Rooftop Solar from an Alternative to Monopoly Utility Models
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
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
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
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
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