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This week we’re excited to welcome our guest, John Farrell, to Suncast. John Farrell is an author, a podcaster, co-director of the Institute of Self Reliance, and leads the Energy Democracy Initiative. He has also been featured in the New York Times and is widely known as a “guru of distributed energy.”
On this week’s episode, we were able to get some deeper insights from him specifically focused around:
1.) The Institute of Self Reliance, their mission, and how that fits in to address the needs of marginalized communities
2.) Empowering local energy through his current work and spotlighting additional programs like the “Our Power Maine” campaign
3.) His predictions on the next shift in the market including what he finds to be a “one-in-a-generation” opportunity
From his writing of “Energy Self Reliant States” to his present work and outlook on Energy Democracy, John Farrell is a force and voice that champions local communities and their power to decide and structure their energy future. And while there are always new evolutions happening in the industry, his understanding of the current barriers to solar development, how certain states are addressing it, and its potential impact moving forward was particularly enlightening. This was an excellent opportunity to speak with another leading voice in this field and an illuminating conversation to match. I am sure you will enjoy this episode, so be sure to tune in!
The need for energy democracy (4:09)
What is the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (9:45)
How community solar policies evolved (17:20)
Examples of how utilities are unprepared (30:46)
Examples of policies that you should follow (35:00)
Concerns over distributional equity (41:28)
The 30 million solar homes campaign (46:16)
Report: The Barriers of Solar Development (50:50)
Movement for Publicly-Owned Power in Maine (55:30)
Local Energy Rules Podcast Mission (1:00:45)
John Farrell For President 2016 (1:11:59)
Books that shaped John’s life & work (1:14:11)
John’s morning & evening routines (1:11:22)
How to help John (1:27:08)
Bold prediction (1:28:20)
BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:
“This is our moment of innovation. We have a once in a generation opportunity to see this transition through in a way that really changes how the economy works for folks, that taps a whole bunch of opportunities like addressing racial inequality and income inequality.”
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ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:
Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.
Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 15-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.
You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.
If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.