community solar Archives - Institute for Local Self-Reliance

22 May 2018

Community Power State Scorecard Comparison — 2018 vs. 2017

by Marie Donahue | Date: 22 May 2018 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

Earlier this spring, ILSR released its 2018 Community Power State Scorecard, revealing the best and worst states for local clean energy across the country. Did many states improve on their 2017 score? In this new comparison of state rankings, we take a closer look at which states have taken the lead, which are improving, and which have a lot more to do when it comes to creating a policy landscape that enables distributed energy.… Read More

17 May 2018

Why Minnesota’s Community Solar Program is the Best

by John Farrell | Date: 17 May 2018 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

Minnesota’s community solar program hit a record 300 megawatts of operational capacity in March 2018 and is wildly successful because it offers tangible, financial benefits to subscribers, allows third party project development and ownership, and has no cap on program capacity.… Read More

14 May 2018

The State(s) of Distributed Solar — 2017 Update

by Marie Donahue | Date: 14 May 2018 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

Across the country, more states than ever are making solar energy—and distributed solar at that—a key part of their energy mix. But where have these gains been greatest, and what are the economic implications for residents from one state to the next? To answer these questions, an updated analysis of solar markets, using annual data from 2017, takes a closer look at the state-by-state share of distributed solar, highlighting which states have taken the lead to prioritize small-scale, local energy systems.… Read More

3 May 2018

Supporting Affordable Residential Access to Community Solar in Minnesota

by Marie Donahue | Date: 3 May 2018 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

In April, ILSR submitted comments in support of affordable residential access to community solar for review by Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission. These comments concerned a proposed residential adder framework outlined as part of the state’s community solar program and Minnesota Department of Commerce Value of Solar calculation. We argue that, in a recent analysis submitted to the Commission by Xcel Energy, the utility exaggerated costs likely to be incurred under this new framework. Our comments support those made by allies such as Cooperative Energy Futures and advocate for adder calculations that ensure financeability and broad participation among residential subscribers to the state’s community solar program.… Read More

30 Mar 2018

Leaked Draft Bill Confirms Xcel Energy’s Priority for Profits Over Community Solar

by Marie Donahue | Date: 30 Mar 2018 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

A newly-released parody video makes Xcel Energy’s top priority clear: maximize profits for shareholders, even if that comes at the expense of the country’s most successful community solar program. Supporting analysis of a leaked draft bill from Xcel lobbyists illustrates this further and points out the company’s nasty habit of trying to make its own rules.… Read More

2 Mar 2018

The 2018 Community Power State Scorecard

by John Farrell | Date: 2 Mar 2018 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

Each year, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance provides a score for each state’s energy policies based on how they help or hinder local clean energy action. In 2018, 21 states had a failing grade, 17 were mediocre, 11 had a passing grade, and just 2 excelled at enabling residents to act individually and collectively to take charge of their energy future.… Read More

2 Feb 2018

Community Solar and Value of Solar Under Review in Minnesota

by John Farrell | Date: 2 Feb 2018 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

With a nation-leading community solar program, changes to the compensation scheme for participants shouldn’t be taken lightly. ILSR offered these comments to the MN Public Utilities Commission in February 2018 about preserving high values for the state’s “value of solar” calculation.… Read More

15 Jan 2018

Video: Minnesota SEIA — Gateway to Solar Presentation

by Nick Stumo-Langer | Date: 15 Jan 2018 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0

In September of 2017, ILSR Energy Democracy initiative director John Farrell spoke in front of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association’s Midwest Gateway to Solar event. In his talk he spoke about the importance of sound renewable energy policies that enable growth in locally-owned solar energy and how massive electric utilities are doing their best to harm locally-owned renewable energy like solar.… Read More

3 Nov 2017

Five Ways Co-ops Are Countering Corporate Power in Cities

by Nick Stumo-Langer | Date: 3 Nov 2017 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, MuniNetworks, Retail | 0

This op-ed was originally published in Next City on October 31st, 2017. As local economies suffer from market concentration in economic sectors ranging from retail to banking, cooperatives across industries are helping to strengthen communities and keep resources local. This … Read More