Is owning your solar array your best option, or is leasing right for you? Along with our existing Solar Calculators (both complex and simplified), we have this new infographic. This graphic details the two different ownership structures based around a number of important categories. Please note that solar panels typically carry a 20-year warranty, but most panels are … Read More
St. Peter, Minn., home to 11 thousand people, is nestled within the verdant hills of the Minnesota River Valley. The town was originally intended to be the state capital of Minnesota, until a legislator named “Jolly” Joe Rolette nabbed the bill and hid it from the governor’s awaiting signature. Unflappable, the city would play its own part in … Read More
Rhode Island established its Community Renewables Program in 2016 and expanded it in 2018 through a net metering tariff. This post summarizes the policy and compiles Rhode Island community solar resources.… Read More
Communities all over the country are finding ways to break the macro barriers to microgrids. As we flip from a top-down to bottom-up grid management structure, major policy barriers must be lifted in order to expand energy democracy to customers and producers.… Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Nevada continues to draw battle lines between NV Energy/PUC and Nevada citizens. Now that the Investment Tax Credit has been extended, the pinch between policy and practice falls on the states. Community Solar “wins” in Minnesota. Featured Stories: Solar potential on public buildings in Kansas City, Minneapolis & New York City … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Hawai’i ends its Net Metering program, approves new rooftop solar programs. Ohio has permanently frozen clean energy implementation in the state, to the ire of most Ohioans. Socio-economic divides persist in solar energy, but the situation is improving. Featured Stories: In Solar Energy, it’s the haves and the have-nots by Monica … Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Iowa is creating their state energy plan that focuses on renewables and efficiency. Minnesota solar advocates fight Xcel Energy on stalled community solar projects. Distributed generation technology is getting much easier to purchase. Featured Stories: Wind and solar keep getting cheaper and cheaper by Chris Mooney, The Washington Post So as … Read More
On the one hand: Sky-high electricity prices. A 20th century electricity system burning fuel oil and controlled by large monopoly electric utilities. A proposed utility takeover. On the other hand: A new 100% renewable energy standard. Rooftop solar on one of ten homes, saving each customer hundreds of dollars per year. Cost-effective energy storage. A rising interest in locally controlled utilities. Welcome to Hawai’i at the Energy Crossroads.… Read More
This week in Democratic Energy: Ohio groundswell gathers around reinstatement of renewable energy mandates. Utah group condemns utility’s false claims to promoting renewable energy Vox’s David Roberts, in a 2-part series, seeks to break down the dominance of 20th century style electric utilities. Featured Stories: The Federal Solar Tax Credit extension: can we win if we … Read More
