Community solar is taking off in the United States! The White House and Department of Energy have taken notice and are bringing experts together to take it to the next level.
On November 17th I will be representing the Solar Gardens Institute at the National Community Solar Partnership workshop in Washington, DC. The Partnership’s mission is to "leverage the momentum in the public and private sector to expand solar access to new markets". The NCSP is convening federal agencies, state governments, academia, utilities, nonprofits, and industry to "assess market barriers and catalyze deployment in low and moderate (LMI) communities."
On November 17th I will be representing the Solar Gardens Institute at the National Community Solar Partnership workshop in Washington, DC. The Partnership’s mission is to "leverage the momentum in the public and private sector to expand solar access to new markets". The NCSP is convening federal agencies, state governments, academia, utilities, nonprofits, and industry to "assess market barriers and catalyze deployment in low and moderate (LMI) communities."
The workshop will be an opportunity for SGI to represent the community of communities reached by the solargardens.org blog and mailing list. I will be discussing new developments in IRS tax policy that will allow solar garden subscribers to claim their own tax credits, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the likely expiration of the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
The Washington, D.C. City Council has approved a community renewables program, which is currently in a rule making process. I will also be traveling to New York, where a new statewide shared solar program is coming soon. Simplified business models made possible by federal policy changes could benefit communities in both jurisdictions.
Let's think big - what are the big policy opportunities that could create “quantum leap” in community solar, bringing a solar garden to every city, town, and rural district in America? How can every state, every utility offer the opportunity for every American to go solar? Reply to this message with your ideas.
Help Joy get to Washington, D.C.! Please donate to the Solar Gardens Institute to make this work possible. (A donation of air miles would also be valuable.)
Many thanks,
Joy Hughes
Founder, solargardens.org
P.S. After a hiatus, the solar gardens blog is coming back! Look for a new weekly format, as community solar is taking off in the U.S. and worldwide. We'll be taking a close look at the policy, projects, and people who are creating an equitable, low-carbon future worldwide!
P.S. After a hiatus, the solar gardens blog is coming back! Look for a new weekly format, as community solar is taking off in the U.S. and worldwide. We'll be taking a close look at the policy, projects, and people who are creating an equitable, low-carbon future worldwide!
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