This is Episode 1 of 5 in our Community Solar Series
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Over the years, a segment of the industry has emerged as what has been referred to as the fourth vertical for solar. It’s not just a phenomenon in the United States, but worldwide, and it’s called Community Solar. Community solar is the model where community members can collectively purchase clean electricity from a central offsite solar array, and this model has been gaining massive attention and momentum of late, offering an option for equitable access to clean energy while helping to reduce carbon emissions and promising to keep energy prices low for consumers. But is it really different from any other type of solar energy project? Perhaps more importantly, what does it mean for you as we embrace this clean energy revolution?
We’ve dedicated this series to those of you who are trying to figure out “is this right for me, is this right for my company,” and “what decisions do I need to think through before I can actually throw my hat in the ring for community solar?” In this new mini-series, we’ll navigate the inner workings of what has been hailed as the fourth vertical in the solar industry.
Consider this your Community Solar 101.
This five part series presents unique perspectives from industry experts on how each of us might consider the role of community solar in our business, career or even neighborhood. Does it really provide equitable access to solar energy? Will it live up to the hype and hope? Or is it too good to be true?
In this Episode One, we’ll hear from Jeff Cramer, Executive Director of the Coalition for Community Solar access, also known as CCSA, which Jeff co-founded in 2015. Jeff and I go deep into the history of how community solar came about as well as the policies, both at a federal and state level, that have supported this sector’s growth. We’ll also hear from David Sandbank, Vice President of distributed energy resources at NYSERDA. David has been instrumental over the last few years in ushering in a slew of policies at NYSERDA, and has been a huge proponent of community solar. David gives us some insight into the latest legislation that was introduced to get New York to 10 gigawatts of community solar.
This Community Solar series is a production of SunCast Media and is brought to you in partnership with EDP renewables, North America.
Here’s a peak at what’s coming this week on the Community Solar Series
Episode 1: The Role of Policy in Community Solar with Jeff Cramer, CCSA & David Sandbank, NYSERDA
Episode 2: The Project Developer Perspective: Is it really that different?
Episode 3: Federal support for equitable access to solar
Episode 4: Customer acquisition for Community Solar
Episode 5: Understanding the “Value Stack” for Community Solar
TIMESTAMPS:
(04:16) How community solar started in Colorado
(12:22) What the success factor for CCSA is
(14:21) Divergence between roof top solar and community solar
(17:10) Does community solar serve as a pseudo utility scale
(23:53) What other States should learn from New York
(29:49) Roadmap to New York City community solar expansion
(32:20) Hallmarks of good community solar policy programs
(38:22) Policies that could help other states market evolve like New York
(44:26) What the potential for community solar is to Jeff
(50:00) What Jeff is excited about
(53:17) Important trends in the community solar sector
(58:06) Jeff's advice to developers and policy makers
(59:40) Wrap up
ABOUT JEFF CRAMER:
Jeff Cramer serves as Executive Director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), a national trade association representing innovative businesses and non-profits working to expand customer choice and access to solar for all American households and businesses through community solar. Prior to co-founding CCSA in 2015, Jeff was a co-founder and partner at 38 North Solutions, a Washington DC-based consultancy specializing in clean-energy public policy, business strategy, and campaign development and management.
ABOUT DAVID SANDBANK:
Renewable energy expert with proven success in launching companies from the ground up, building and managing teams, and bringing products to market in the private and public sectors. Well versed in all facets of the renewable industry lifecycle and experienced at navigating through regulatory & political complexities. Able to both conceptualize, as well as implement a strategic vision. Effective at gaining trust from decision makers and executing a vision with significant results.
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY SOLAR SERIES:
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.