Tag: solar energy
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NPR: “Why the U.S. government is spending $7 billion on solar for low-income homes”
Sometimes a news story comes along that has the perfect headline and offers the perfect explanation for why community solar is so needed across our country—and in Indiana—right now. NPR recently published a piece on federal funding available through the “Solar for All” program that will help ensure low-income residents have access to solar energy…
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Brand names get in the game: More than 100 Wendy’s restaurants running on community solar
When we talk about community solar, we typically only talk about developments that will help residential energy customers and small businesses. But what if community solar projects also involved household brand names? Those projects are happening across the country. Here’s an example from a fast food giant that’s got stores from coast to coast: Over…
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Empowering Advocates: How to Talk about Independent Community Solar to Counter Anti-Consumer Monopoly Messaging
As momentum for clean energy grows, community solar programs have emerged as a powerful tool for reducing energy costs and promoting sustainable practices. However, monopoly utility companies often present significant challenges, using their influence to block access to these beneficial programs. It is crucial for advocates to help policymakers understand the value and mechanics of…
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Where can solar panels be placed? Lots of places you might not think about.
This is not a community solar story, per se, but it’s a story about how solar energy and panels can be deployed in places you might not imagine and bring unexpected benefits to neighborhoods, all the while lowering energy costs for a community itself. The Associated Press reports: Detroit is using something it has plenty…
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What Do Artificial Intelligence and Community Solar Have in Common? Consistency and Equity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries, and the solar energy sector is no exception. As solar companies strive to optimize their operations and enhance customer satisfaction, AI offers innovative solutions to predict and plan for customer needs more effectively. This technological advancement is particularly significant for community solar projects, where managing subscriber bases and…
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This Upper Peninsula Community Solar Project Is All About Community
We often hear about community solar projects located in large, urban areas—think apartment and condo buildings—but community solar can be deployed pretty much anywhere, as this recent Inside Climate News story illustrates: The solar array near the village of L’Anse has 340 panels and a generating capacity of about 110 kilowatts. It produces power for…
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Could community solar help fund local public schools?
Public school enrollment is predicted to decline in most states, including Indiana, over the next decade. Many school districts also are facing a fiscal cliff caused by the coming end of pandemic-related federal funding. Long story short: Public schools may need more money. Could small, localized community solar projects be a potential budget solution? Check…
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A familiar refrain? States are getting funding for community solar—but they might not be able to use it.
Indiana isn’t alone facing hurdles potentially deploying millions of dollars in new federal funding aimed at helping low- and middle-income households access the benefits of solar energy. Wisconsin leaders are celebrating a $62 million grant from the Biden administration to help install solar power in homes and in community projects. But there’s a catch: Those…
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Stateline.org: “Can’t install your own solar panels? Some areas let you join a community project.”
Recent news article makes the clear case why Indiana needs independent community solar here.
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Columbus Republic: “Grant will energize an array of solar in Columbus”
Indiana received welcome news on Earth Day this year that our state will soon receive more than $100 million in federal funding to help bring solar energy to low- and middle-income Hoosiers. This recent editorial in the Columbus Republic sums up why this funding is so important for the future of our state: Solar power…