Australia - Push for $50m fund to support community energy projects

Community energy and pro renewable NGOs are calling for the Federal government to establish a $50 million fund that would seek to leverage up to half a billion dollar of investment  in community-owned renewable energy projects.

The call for a Community Energy Grant Fund is an attempt to offer a catalyst for growing community interest in renewable energy projects, and to fill in a gap in the country’s portfolio of renewable energy projects of between 10kW and 50MW.

read more:

http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/push-for-50m-fund-to-support-community-energy-projects-75660

California's "Solar Gardens" Bills Pass Senate and House

Community solar has taken a big step forward!

Just got this from Tom Price of californiasharedrenewables.org:

"Shared renewable energy in California just received a resounding endorsement, with SB 43 passing the Senate with a comfortable 27-9 vote!"

"The author, Senator Wolk, worked late into the night to craft amendments with Senator Padilla to ensure there will be no cost shifting to non-participants."

"SB 43 creates a 500MW program  allowing customers to subscribe to shared renewable facilities, and get a credit for what that energy is worth on their bill. 20% of the program set aside as a minimum to be built in environmental justice areas, and 20% is set aside as a minimum to be available to residential customers.  Many thanks to the more than 50 organizations, public bodies, businesses and others who are on record in support of the bill."

"Now ( catch your breath ) we have to put all our energy into ensuring that the companion measure, AB 1014, also passes comfortably. Please, if you haven't already done so, contact your assembly member and urge them to vote yes on AB 1014. That vote will most likely happen tomorrow."

"Thanks again for all your support of bringing renewable energy to every Californian."

--------------------------------------------------------------------

And this just in:

"We're now 2 for 2---our AB 1014 just passed the Assembly on a lopsided 49-15 vote. " 

"That means both of our bills have left their original chamber, and are now over to the other--SB 43 will be taken up in the Assembly in June, and AB 1014 by the Senate.  They have distinct approaches, but both solve the same problem--letting people who can't buy renewable energy because they don't have a place to physically install it to instead virtually install it on their power bill."

"When adopted, either measure would create about 500MW of new clean energy, as well as around 6,500 jobs, generate $60M in new taxes, and create $2B in economic activity, and do it all without a penny of state incentives."

"Pardon the obvious pun, but it's a sunny day in the Golden state for renewable energy."

"Thanks for all your hard work that made this possible."

Minnesota plants seeds for community solar gardens | Midwest Energy News

Scott Cramer has sold offbeat, left-leaning T-shirts, political buttons and bumper stickers through his Northern Sun Merchandising company in Minneapolis for more than 30 years.

These days, one of his more popular slogans has an energy theme. "It says: Whenever there is a huge spill of solar energy, it's just called a nice day."

Which is why Cramer is more than happy to lease his 5,000-square-foot rooftop for what will soon ...

Read more:

http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2013/05/29/minnesota-plants-seeds-for-community-solar-gardens/

[ I'm quoted in the article: “Now everybody can go solar. You don’t have to have a sunny roof. You don’t have to own your own roof. You can take your subscription with you when you move.” Hughes said, listing some of solar gardens’ benefits. ]

Joy Hughes
in community service
Solar Gardens Institute http://www.solargardens.org
(719)207-3097 direct

Net Metering: A Net Positive

There’s been a lot of talk lately about net metering. What’s so special about net metering, and why all the fuss?

Net metering is a simple concept that’s policy in 43 states. It’s like rollover minutes on a cell phone bill -- it lets utility customers who install solar systems feed energy they generate into the grid if they don’t need it at the time they’re generating it. They get the fun of watching their meter run backwards, and they get a  credit on their power bill for that excess energy, which they can use when the sun goes down. The question, though, is what constitutes fair credit, and whether net metering customers are passing on to other customers an unfair burden of transmission and distribution charges.

As you can imagine, perspectives on this issue vary. Some are predictable, others not so much.

The utility death spiral

Let’s start with utilities, who are on the predictable end of the spectrum. After all, when utility customers generate their own power, those customers end up paying a lot less to the utility. And utilities are set up to make substantial profits from large infrastructure investments. Net metering poses a threat to that business model.

This threat has been getting a lot of attention. One of the most thoughtful writers on the subject, David Roberts, says of utilities’ “path to obsolescence,” “From the utility’s point of view, every kilowatt-hour of rooftop solar looks like a kilowatt-hour of reduced demand for the utility’s product.” And that’s not just any product: because solar panels produce the most at peak rate times, solar reduces demand for a utility’s “most valuable product.”

Read more: https://joinmosaic.com/blog/net-metering-net-positive

EVENT (NYC): Harlem Green Economy Forum June 22 with Joy Hughes

     Representatives from local businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, residents of Harlem, and other stakeholders will have a discussion about the current and future challenges and opportunities for Harlem to participate in the “Green Economy.” The forum will be divided into five areas covering the following: “Defining the "Green Economy‟ in Harlem;” “Local "Green Economy‟ Policy;” “Green Economy Opportunities for Existing Businesses and Individuals;” “Starting "Green Economy‟ Businesses in Harlem;” and “Promoting Environmental Stewardship Through Educational Opportunities.”

     The program will take place on June 22 from 9am - 1pm on the 8th floor of the Adam Clayton Powell JR. State Office Building at the intersection of 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in the Harlem neighborhood of the New York City borough of Manhattan.  Joy Hughes of the Solar Gardens Institute will be speaking.

     Space is limited and we must confirm the number of guests and their names by June 4, so if you would like to attend please email rsvp@solargardens.org ...

many thanks,

Joy

Three Community Shared Solar Bills Moving Forward in California

Quick update - three bills are now headed to the floor!

SB 43, this year's version of 2012's SB 843  http://legiscan.com/CA/bill/SB43

AB 1014, a highly amended assembly version of SB 843  http://legiscan.com/CA/bill/AB1014/2013

AB 1295, Southern California Edison's community solar bill http://legiscan.com/CA/bill/AB1295

More information as it becomes available.  If you are in California, call your senator to support SB43 and representative to support AB1014 preferentially, and if they won't support that one, AB1295.  Report your support to http://casharedrenewables.org and to policy@solargardens.org

many thanks,

Joy

Denver Solar Gardens Discussion May 28 - Mercury Cafe

Denver Solar Gardens Discussion May 28 - Mercury Cafe

7-9 PM, 2199 California St  Denver, CO 80205

     We'll be using this informal time to discuss how to take community solar to the next level while keeping it real.  If you'd like to attend, please send a message to rsvp@solargardens.org so we can make reservations.

Boulder Gasland II Premiere

Other Events in the Series

Colorado Springs

Thursday May 23^rd, 4PM-5:30PM

Rico’s Cafe

322 1/2 N Tejon St

Salida

Friday May 24^th, Noon-2PM

River’s Edge

300 W Sackett Ave.

Alamosa

Friday May 24^th, 6-8PM

Milagros

529 Main St (Corner of State and Main)

Saguache

Saturday May 25^th, 10:30AM-Noon

4^th Street Diner

411 4^th St.

Crestone

Saturday May 25^th, 6-8 PM

Bliss Café

187 W Silver Ave.

Potential topics for these meetings include:

Solar Gardens Institute Charter
      - As SGI has grown, specific roles, expectation, and democratic process have become essential.  Download the proposed charter here - feel free to make comments!

SGI Regional Group for Colorado
      - The Solar Gardens Institute started in Colorado, but has gone national and even worldwide.  It's time to strengthen our roots back home.

Solar and Fracking
      - Solar Power will reduce the total use of fossil fuels.  But will high solar penetration increase the use of natural gas?  Not if we do it right.

Community Shared Solar Policy
      - I've been selected as a reviewer for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Model Rules for Shared Renewable Energy Programs.

Solar garden participation for low income subscribers.
     - Five percent of solar garden capacity in Colorado is reserved for customers with incomes below 185% of the poverty line.  Learn about financial models for making this possible.

Become a Solar Gardens Institute Member
1. Fill out membership form here
2. Return form to membership@solargardens.org
3. Donate at least $1 to SGI's Equable Community Solar Fund

Donations to SGI through the Equable Community Solar Fund are now tax deductible!  Any donation of $1 or more will qualify you for SGI membership (though of course we hope you donate more than a dollar).  The Community Power Network is our fiscal sponsor.

Community solar may be next big thing in Australia renewables : Renew Economy

The momentum for a big push into community solar projects appears to be gathering pace, with several different organisations planning public launches in the next month, and suggestions that several dozen projects could be built on NSW rooftops in coming years.

Among plans revealed this week are the launch of a community solar network Farming the Sun in the northern Rivers region, to be followed soon by similar groups in New England and the Riverina. This is the work of community energy advocate Embark and Starfish Enterprises, which has identified 7 different projects of at least 80kW that could be commissioned in the next 18 months.

Read more:

http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/community-groups-look-to-crowd-funding-rooftop-solar-86008

Joy Hughes
in community service
Solar Gardens Institute http://www.solargardens.org
(719)207-3097 direct

Download this useful PDF of Colorado and national community solar nonprofits! 

VIDEO: Sustainable Economy Law Center on Community Renewables

SELC's expert panelists discuss the legal barriers, policy opportunities, and steps to creating a new energy future. The webinar is the first in SELC's Shareable Cities Webinar Series.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqG9i-ZnWZE

Portland launches combo solar-crowdfunding project for Southwest rec center | Sustainable Business Oregon

Portland's Southwest Community Center will soon receive a set of solar panels courtesy of an Oregon Community Foundation grant.

The effort marks the simultaneous launch of a revolving loan fund, fed through crowdfunding, that aims to back solar installations on public facilities.

Read more:

http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2013/05/portland-sw-center-solar-project-melds.html

Joy Hughes
in community service
Solar Gardens Institute http://www.solargardens.org
(719)207-3097 direct

Clean Energy Companies Launch Alliance To Protect Solar Choice & Rooftop Solar, Combat Monopoly Utilities | CleanTechnica

The nation's leading rooftop solar companies today announced the formation of The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC). TASC believes anyone should have the option to switch from utility power to distributed solar power. Founding members represent the majority of the US rooftop solar market and include SolarCity, Sungevity, Sunrun, and Verengo.

TASC is committed to protecting the choice for distributed solar. Most immediately, TASC will focus on ensuring the continuation of Net Energy Metering (NEM). Currently in place in 43 states, NEM provides solar consumers with fair credit for the energy they put back on the grid, which utilities then sell to other customers. In simple terms, NEM is like rollover minutes on your cell phone bill. Monopoly utilities are trying to eliminate NEM to halt the consumer-driven popularity of rooftop solar, which is helping create thousands of local jobs around the country.

http://cleantechnica.com/2013/05/19/clean-energy-companies-launch-alliance-to-protect-solar-choice-rooftop-solar-combat-monopoly-utilities/
Joy Hughes
in community service
Solar Gardens Institute http://www.solargardens.org
(719)207-3097 direct

News | TCL&P Approves Community Solar Project

 
(Traverse City, Michigan) —The Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P) Board approved the final step in implementing the community solar project at its May 14, 2013 regular meeting.

            TCL&P, in partnership with Cherryland Electric Cooperative (Cherryland), is proud to offer the Solar Up North (SUN) Alliance program. The SUN Alliance provides an opportunity for residential and business customers of both utilities the ability to invest in solar energy through participation in a community solar project – the first of its kind in Michigan.

            The SUN Alliance is a community-based initiative where customers of both utilities are invited to invest in a solar generation project. Those who invest in the project will receive a monthly bill credit equal to their share of the project's overall energy production, without the risk and maintenance cost involved in owning their own solar array.

Read more:

http://www.tclp.org/Display/ItemDetails/News/163

Joy Hughes
in community service
Solar Gardens Institute http://www.solargardens.org
(719)207-3097 direct

Another Win for Community Solar | Sustainable Santa Fe

This Tuesday, May 14, the Santa Fe County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to join the City of Santa Fe in adopting a resolution supporting the concept of community solar and directing staff to work with PNM and the PRC on a plan to install a solar farm in the Santa Fe area.  This is big news for our county!  Now, we'll need a big push from the community to get PNM on board.

Read more:

http://sustainablesantafe.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/another-win-for-community-solar/

Joy Hughes
in community service
Solar Gardens Institute http://www.solargardens.org
(719)207-3097 direct

Colorado Solar Gardens Discussions May 20-28

A note from Joy Hughes -

     Now that the first solar gardens on XCEL territory are producing power, it's time to look to the future!  I'll be traveling back to Colorado to attend the premiere screenings of Josh Fox's Gasland II in Boulder on Wednesday May 22 and in Colorado Springs on Thursday May 23.  Get your tickets at http://gaslandmovie.com

     During my trip, I'll be hosting some informal gatherings for happy hour, tea, and snacks.  We'll be using this time to discuss how to take community solar to the next level while keeping it real.  If you'd like to attend one, please send a message to rsvp@solargardens.org - please be sure to include your name and the event you'll be attending.

Denver

Monday May 20^th, 7-9 PM

Kona Grill, Cherry Creek Mall

3000 E 1st Ave  

Boulder

Wednesday May 22^nd, 2-4 PM

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

1770 13th St  

Colorado Springs

Thursday May 23^rd, 4PM-5:30PM

Rico’s Cafe

322 1/2 N Tejon St

Salida

Friday May 24^th, Noon-2PM

River’s Edge

300 W Sackett Ave.

Alamosa

Friday May 24^th, 6-8PM

Milagros

529 Main St (Corner of State and Main)

Saguache

Saturday May 25^th, 10:30AM-Noon

4^th Street Diner

411 4^th St.

Crestone

Saturday May 25^th, 6-8 PM

Bliss Café

187 W Silver Ave.

Denver

Tuesday May 28^th, 7-9 PM

Location TBA

Potential topics for these meetings include:

Solar Gardens Institute Charter
      - As SGI has grown, specific roles, expectation, and democratic process have become essential.  Download the proposed charter here - feel free to make comments!

SGI Regional Group for Colorado 
      - The Solar Gardens Institute started in Colorado, but has gone national and even worldwide.  It's time to strengthen our roots back home.

Solar and Fracking
      - Solar Power will reduce the total use of fossil fuels.  But will high solar penetration increase the use of natural gas?  Not if we do it right.

Community Shared Solar Policy
      - I've been selected as a reviewer for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Model Rules for Shared Renewable Energy Programs. 

Solar garden participation for low income subscribers.
     - Five percent of solar garden capacity in Colorado is reserved for customers with incomes below 185% of the poverty line.  Learn about financial models for making this possible.

Become a Solar Gardens Institute Member 
1. Fill out membership form here 
2. Return form to membership@solargardens.org
3. Donate at least $1 to SGI's Equable Community Solar Fund

Donations to SGI through the Equable Community Solar Fund are now tax deductible!  Any donation of $1 or more will qualify you for SGI membership (though of course we hope you donate more than a dollar).  The Community Power Network is our fiscal sponsor.

Many thanks,

Joy

First Colorado Solar*Rewards Community Project Completed

 Congrats to XCEL, CEC, and REC Solar for making this happen!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REC Solar, a national leader in solar electric system design and installation, today announced the completion of a 500 kilowatt community solar project in Boulder, Colorado. The Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array is the first community solar project completed under Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Community program, under which any utility ratepayer can directly purchase energy from a “solar garden” and immediately save money on monthly electricity bills. REC Solar designed and built the array, while Clean Energy Collective (CEC) will operate and maintain the system. REC Solar has additional Solar*Rewards Community projects under development and construction for completion later this year.

“This innovative model expands solar access to all Xcel Energy customers who are interested in the carbon-reducing and cost-savings benefits of solar, regardless of location or income,” said Andy Noel, Director of Utility Scale EPC at REC Solar. “The program’s popularity demonstrates widespread interest from Colorado consumers and businesses in accessing affordable solar power.”

Read more:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/rec-solar-completes-pioneering-colorado-140000601.html

XCEL Energy Solar*Rewards Community

John Farrell - Joy Hughes Interview: A Community Solar Gold Standard

Joy Hughes was living in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, a place with a “tremendous amount of solar potential,” so good that the valley’s residents were being overwhelmed by proposals for large scale solar power plants. One had a “field of things like radar dishes” and another included a “600 foot tower.” The influx of outside companies seeking solar profit led Joy to ask, “Why not just set up solar arrays that can provide power for people in the local community and offset their electric bills?”

The Solar Gardens Institute was born, with a vision of helping community members pool their resources, produce their own energy, and keep their energy dollars local.
______________________________________________

John Farrell is a senior researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and directs its work on democratic energy.

John is best known for his vivid illustrations of the economic and environmental benefits of local ownership of decentralized renewable energy.

He’s the author of Energy Self-Reliant States, a state-by-state atlas of renewable energy potential highlighted in the New York Times,  showing that most states don’t need to look outside their borders to meet their electricity needs.  He’s also written extensively on the economic advantages of Democratizing the Electricity System, published a rich interactive map on solar grid parity, and polished the policies necessary to support locally owned renewable energy development.
________________________________________________

Listen and read more:  http://www.ilsr.org/community-solar-gold-standard-episode-9-local-energy-rules-podcast/

VIDEO - Excellent Introduction to Solar Gardens

A group of students in Minnesota have put together this video that is a good first introduction to the community solar, or solar gardens, concept:




We'll be including this in the Solar Gardener Training ...

Give them a shout out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SArB0k0x8Is

 - Joy

Minnesota Legislature Approves Solar Gardens Bill!

 This just in!

According to Clean Energy Authority:

The community solar gardens provisions require that such systems are no larger than 1 megawatt. In addition, “The community solar garden program must be designed to offset the energy use of not less than five subscribers in each community solar garden program of which no single subscriber has more than a 40 percent interest,” The legislation said. Also, “The owner of the community solar garden may be a public utility or any other entity or organization that contracts to sell the output from the community solar garden to the utility.” Subscribers to the garden must also purchase at least 200 watts of the garden's generating capacity and can’t purchase more than 120 percent of their average annual energy consumption.

http://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/solar-energy-news/minnesota-legislature-passes-compromise-solar-bill-051513

IREC News - Recent federal decisions allow new options for state DG policy

Contact: Jane Pulaski  

janep@irecusa.org

512.789.7885

Recent federal decisions allow new options for state DG policy 

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC) has released a concept paper that considers states' ability to expand options for distributed generation (DG) technologies. Due to the rapidly growing appetite for solar and other forms of renewable and alternative energy in the U.S., developers, utilities and policymakers are seeking new approaches that could appropriately value the locational benefits of DG. The 1978 federal Public Utilities Policy Regulatory Act (PURPA) may provide a solution that supports greater DG development close to load, where DG value is highest.

This paper, Unlocking DG Value: A PURPA-based approach to promoting DG growth, explores benefits that can be quantified and incorporated into the development of PURPA-based avoided cost rates. "This approach may allow states the flexibility to accurately reflect many of the positive contributions of distributed generation," said Jane Weissman, president and CEO of IREC. "IREC has been a thought leader on clean energy and policy development for more than 30 years."

A comprehensive PURPA-based approach to DG policy design would incorporate many as-yet-unquantified benefits of exports to the distribution system, including line-loss avoidance; the ability to make smaller capacity additions that more closely follow incremental load changes; the deferral or avoidance of utility capital expenditures; and the environmental benefits of displacing fossil-based resources.

This paper describes several recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decisions that have provided the needed justification to value the benefits of DG facilities and it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of such an approach. The paper concludes that several considerations may need to be addressed before PURPA could become a viable option for promoting DG growth in many states.

This paper essentially explores the possibility for state policymakers to re-evaluate and revitalize PURPA as another option for the policy toolkit," said Kevin Fox, lead author of the paper.  "While there may still be hurdles to deploying this policy option in a manner that would support widespread DG growth, recent movement in this direction is promising."

About IREC  

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a non-profit organization that believes clean energy is critical to achieving a sustainable and economically strong future. To pave this clean energy path, IREC works to expand consumer access to clean energy; generates information and  objective analysis grounded in best practices and standards; and leads programs to build a quality clean energy workforce, including a unique credentialing program for renewable energy and energy efficiency training programs and instructors. Since 1982, IREC's programs and policies have benefitted energy consumers, policymakers, utilities and the clean energy industry. Visit www.irecusa.org 

NEWS RELEASE (Michigan) - Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association Awarded Community Solar Gardens Grant

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 19, 2013

Contact: David Konkle

Project Director

Cell: 734 323-2828

konkle@toast.net

www.glrea.org

Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association Awarded Community Solar Gardens Grant

The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) has been awarded a grant from the Michigan Energy Office, Renewable Energy Demonstration Program to perform a Community Solar PV Garden Feasibility Study.   The final report will be due in September, 2013.

                    

It has been estimated that less than half of the homes and businesses in Michigan are good sites for solar energy due to shading or roof orientation.  Renters and condo owners do not own property that can be used for solar installations.  Also, solar energy systems often require a large upfront cost that makes it difficult for many homeowners, institutions, or businesses to get involved.   Dave Konkle, Project Director for GLREA stated, “Community Solar may be a solution to all these barriers.  It is a very new concept in the US that is getting a great deal of attention, with many states researching barriers and introducing appropriate legislation to enable Community Solar projects for interested citizens.”

                              

Community Solar is defined as a solar electric or renewable energy system that has multiple owners or shareholders that receive some benefit because of their investment in the project.  With Community Solar, the actual generation of renewable energy does not occur at the customer’s site.  Instead, the customer subscribes to a portion of a shared facility (much like a resident may rent a plot in a community garden) and the power generated results in the subscriber receiving their portion of the benefit based on their investment.  By building a larger scale system in an optimal sunny location, the cost to the investor can be lower, and the benefits higher, than the typical residential or small commercial installation.

The GLREA grant project will research and analyze various system ownership and financing models for Community Solar projects.  GLREA will partner with Shepherd Advisors to conduct a targeted nationwide survey to identify best practices. A Michigan survey will be conducted to provide estimates of the installed cost of solar PV and the value of the solar energy produced. The project will identify barriers and opportunities and research factors relevant to Community Solar including “buy Michigan preferences,” net metering, and renewable energy certificates.  GLREA will collaborate with the Michigan Public Service Commission, Michigan Energy Office, Michigan utilities, local governments, and interested parties to obtain input and feedback during the project.

As part of the project, GLREA will hold a number of public forums to inform attendees about the potential of Community Solar and obtain feedback on support and ideas for Community Solar in Michigan.  Events are already planned for Lansing in May and at the GLREA’s “Michigan Energy Fair” in Ludington on June 7^th and 8^th. 

A detailed technical report/feasibility study. GLREA will compile a wealth of valuable information, including best practices, system and financing models, barriers and opportunities, and other key factors. This project will enable a variety of interested parties to develop the best possible Community Solar projects in Michigan.

More information on the upcoming Community Solar forums, the Michigan Energy Fair, and updated news items about Community Solar in Michigan can be found at the GLREA website at www.GLREA.org.

###

EVENT (Lansing, Michigan) - Is Community Solar Right for Our Region?

Date: May 20th, 5:30-7:30pm

Location: Michigan Energy Options, 405 Grove St. East Lansing, MI

How much energy in our community could be generated by solar power and what's the best way to do this?

Join us at Michigan Energy Options on May 20th as we dive into this topical issue and gain more insight into the viability of "Community Solar"—one of the hottest topics in renewable energy and sustainable regional planning across the country.

Read more:  http://www.michiganenergyoptions.org/component/content/article/62-events/538-community-solar

AUDIO: Collaborative Roundtable on Energy Democracy

From Ceal Smith's excellent blog "Renewable Communities Alliance"

Are communities benefiting from the development of renewable energy in the US?   Is large scale, centralized renewable energy sustainable?  What is Energy Democracy and why is it important?  These and other topics are explored in this Spring of Sustainability collaborative roundtable on sustainable energy.

Click here to listen to the web panel 

Al Weinrub, Coordinator of the Local Clean Energy Alliance in Oakland, CA and author of the groundbreaking Community Power: Decentralized Renewable Energy in California moderated this lively discussion between Ceal Smith (RCA/Solar Done Right), Woody Hastings (Sonoma Clean Power) and Nicole Capretz (Environmental Health Coalition).

See speaker profiles here:
http://www.renewablecommunities.org/2013/05/collaborative-roundtable-on-energy.html

Gasland 2 Screenings with Josh Fox

Gasland 2 Screenings with Josh Fox

In 2010, Josh Fox made "fracking" a household word with his monumental documentary Gasland.  Now he follows it up with a sequel that shows the growing impact on communities across America.

GASLAND PART II GRASSROOTS TOUR





Sign up for ticket at http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/screenings

ILLINOIS
5/20
Normal, Illinois (6:30 Normal Theater)

COLORADO
“Stop Fracking in Colorado.  Come to the Grassroots screening tour of GASLAND PART II! From rave reviews at New York City’s most prestigious film festival, GASLAND 2 comes to the grassroots. Please join us for GASLAND 2 with a 1 hour q and A and organizing session with JOSH FOX and local organizers immediately after the screening.  Special guests and grassroots action!  You don’t want to miss this chance to get involved in the fight against fracking.”
5/22 - Boulder (6:30 pm at the Glenn Miller Ballroom at the University of Colorado-Boulder Campus)
5/23 - Colorado Springs (6pm at the Gallogly Event Center on the UCCS Campus)
5/24 - Telluride Mountain Film Festival
5/25 - Telluride Mountain Film Festival

CALIFORNIA
5/29 - Sacramento (5:30pm at the The Crest Theater)
5/30 - Los Angeles, California; Coalition Against Fracking Kickoff
5/31 - Santa Barbara (TBA)
6/1 - Monterey (6:30pm Lecture Forum #102 Monterey Peninsula College)
6/2 - Stanford (TBA)
6/2 - Oakland (6pm Asian Cultural Center)

NEW YORK
6/5 - Binghamton (TBA)
6/7 - Ithaca (7pm at the Alice Statler Auditorium on the Cornell Campus)
6/8 - Calicoon (10:30am at the Callicoon Movie Theatre)
6/8- Milford, PA- Josh plays banjo w Pete Seeger (No screening)
6/9- Westchester- Jacob Burns Center (With Debra Winger!)
6/13 - Syracuse

NEW JERSEY
6/16 Trenton (War Memorial Patriots Theater)

PENNSYLVANIA
6/17 Bethlehem, Lehigh University
6/18 Harrisburg (Rally at 12pm, 7pm at the Digiplex Cinema Center)
6/19 Williamsport (Community Arts Center)
6/20 Pittsburgh (6pm Soldiers and Sailors)


Additional screenings and dates are being scheduled now! Please check back in frequently.

Fall tour: Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Maryland

A note from Joy:

It's important to note that small, local community solar requires less gas for backup power than large-scale solar plants.  Learn more here: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2011/03/solving-solars-variability-with-more-solar

Many Thanks,

Joy Hughes

Founder, Solar Gardens Institute

Bloomberg: Rooftop Solar Seen Protecting U.S. Power Grid From Attack

The U.S. power grid is vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and the growing use of rooftop solar panels will provide protection against lengthy blackouts, the chairman of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said.

 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-23/rooftop-solar-seen-protecting-u-s-power-grid-from-attack.html

VIDEO - 5 Barriers to and Solutions for Community Renewable Energy

Published on May 3, 2013

 

Community renewable energy has significant political and economic benefits, but is often hindered by five major barriers. Watch this vividly illustrated presentation to learn how communities can overcome the barriers and advance more local renewable energy.

Institute for Local Self Reliance Senior Researcher John Farrell gave this presentation as part of a Sustainable Economies Law Center webinar on April 30, 2013.

• Category

  Science & Technology

• License

  Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)

Community Solar Garden at Brownfield Part of RE-Powering’s Innovation

by Tim Rehder, EPA

On a cold December morning during a snow storm, I found myself walking across an open field known as the Tower Road site, owned by the City of Aurora. Surprisingly, all thoughts were focused on solar energy.

That morning, I joined researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and representatives of Aurora to kick off the solar feasibility study at this brownfield site. On the site walk, our team measured the solar availability and discussed future development plans. With my focus on land revitalization, I was excited to be working in the field in support of this project.

Read more:  http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2013/05/community-solar-garden-at-brownfield-part-of-re-powering%E2%80%99s-innovation/