The Future of Solar Economics and PolicySolar power is at a unique place in history. It’s growing rapidly, its price is falling precipitously. Within the next 10 years, it will compete favorably with utilities for electricity sales, on price, and without subsidies. Given its rapid ascent, it might seem silly to talk about change. But the continued expansion of distributed solar…
The Northern Mariana Islands are one of several island U.S. territories, lying three-quarters of the way from Hawai’i to the Philippines. Like most islands, their electricity supply has been almost entirely supplied by diesel-fueled generators, at enormous cost. So why have islanders in the Marianas – such as the residents of Saipan – been struggling…
Midwest Solar Market: Hot or Not?Is solar ready to boom in the Midwest, or does poor policy still stand in the way? This presentation by Institute for Local Self-Reliance Director of Democratic Energyjohn farrell to the Midwest Solar Expo on May 16, 2014, explores the potential, the economics, and the policy needed to help solar power the Midwest.
A Deep Dive on Value of Solar and the Future of Solar Energy – Episode 22 of Local Energy Rules“Utility regulation and rates is a contact sport,” says Karl Rabago, and that makes the implementation of a new “value of solar” policy complex. Will distributed solar grow better with a transparent, value-based contract price? How does it differ from net metering? Is Minnesota’s law a precedent to follow? Prepare yourself for a deep dive…
Staff from the Democratic Energy initiative (me) speak at events around the country. Check out the upcoming and past events on ILSR’s speakers page, or see if you’re on the list below:
August 2014 – On the internets john farrell will reprise his presentation on the value of solar. Keep an eye out for an invite! _______
May 29, 2014 – On the internets John Farrell hosted a webinar on the value of solar policy and its implications for community-based solar. Over 60 people tuned in to the presentation, which will be posted soon on the Energy Self-Reliant States blog.
May 8, 2014 – Talk Solar podcast John Farrell joined Beth Bond of Speaking of Green to talk about the state of solar and likely how Minnesota’s new value of solar mixes with other policies to make a brighter solar future: listen in.
May 7, 2014 – This Week In Energy podcast (11 AM CDT) John Farrell joined host Bob Tregilus to talk about Value of Solar, Solar Leasing & Energy Democracy: listen in.
March 12, 2014 – Alexandria, MN John Farrell presented on how democratic energy fits the rural electric philosophy at Electrons on the Run, a mini-conference on the future of the U.S. energy system at Alexandria Technical and Community College.
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance launched the Energy Self-Reliant States blog in 2010 to provide in-depth analysis of distributed renewable energy issues, often in a visual format for the average citizen.
