Commercial Solar – Page 2

Rural Energy for America Program

Posted on 04/23/202406/17/2024 by D.Smith

Maximizing Your Solar Investment with USDA Reap Grants

Introduction:
In an era where sustainability and cost-efficiency are at the forefront of business decisions, investing in renewable energy sources like solar power has become increasingly popular. The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers funding and guaranteed loan financing to rural small businesses and agricultural producers looking to implement solar energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. In this article, we will delve deeper into the benefits of REAP grants and how they can maximize your solar investment.

Understanding REAP Grants:
The REAP program provides financial assistance to eligible entities in rural areas, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. With recent legislative changes, the maximum grant size has increased from $500,000 to $1 million, allowing for more substantial projects to be funded. This expansion reflects a commitment towards supporting rural America in becoming more energy independent while reducing their carbon footprint.

Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for a REAP grant, applicants must either be qualified agricultural producers or for-profit rural small businesses that meet SBA size standards. While there are certain location requirements for small businesses, agricultural operations can be situated in non-eligible areas. The application process is straightforward but requires meticulous attention to detail in submitting all necessary documents.

Application Process and Funding Rounds:
Under the new program structure, quarterly funding rounds provide increased opportunities for applicants to secure grants. The first round commenced on April 1st this year and closes on June 30th, followed by subsequent rounds ending on September 30th. If an application is not awarded within the fiscal year due to scoring issues or competition volume, it will automatically roll over until October when reapplication may be necessary.

Benefits of REAP Grants:
One of the most common queries revolves around how much funding a REAP grant can cover – up to half of total project costs including solar installations. Combining federal tax incentives such as the Federal Solar Tax Investment Credit (ITC) and depreciation benefits could see up to 80% coverage on project expenses through a strategic approach.

Project Implementation Timeline:
Upon receiving approval for a grant application from your local USDA Rural Development Office, work can commence on your solar project immediately post-acceptance or after official award notification depending on preference. However, delaying installation may impact potential savings accrued through reduced energy costs and eligibility criteria concerning tax credits tied specifically with year-end installations.

Wind and solar have approached 80% of the total generation

Posted on 04/05/202406/17/2024 by D.Smith

Quite a start to the week renewables are having in ERCOT. On Sunday and Monday wind and solar have approached 80% of the total generation. Adding in nuclear, and that’s a lot of low carbon electricity. We used to worry that even 20% intermittent renewables would break the grid; now we routinely deliver a majority of generation through our abundant, clean, and inexpensive Texas wind and solar.

Solar and battery storage prices have seen an almost 90% drop in the last 10 years

Posted on 03/18/202406/17/2024 by D.Smith

Solar power costs have fallen by 87%, and battery storage costs by 85%, according to a new study.

An article in the journal Energy Research & Social Science by the Berlin-based Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) compares the findings from innovation reports with standard climate transition scenarios based on standard models. The researchers found that clean energy ultimately will change the energy game despite the continued use of fossil fuels and biomass in the near future.

While the study focuses on solar and battery storage, the researchers note that wind power, heat pumps, and other clean technologies are also experiencing sharp price drops.

As technology advances, solar and battery storage become more efficient and smarter. As a result of global efforts to limit global warming to well below 2C, both private and public financial backing and government policy support are spurring the global increase in production of solar components and battery storage. As a result, clean energy prices are plummeting as a result of economy of scale.

Electricity prices drop when clean energy is deployed. Lead author Felix Creutzig of the MCC said:

“Some calculations even suggest that the world’s entire energy consumption in 2050 could be completely and cost-effectively covered by solar technology and other renewables.

This is an extremely optimistic scenario – but it illustrates that the future is open. Climate science, which provides policymakers with guidance in its scenario models, must reflect technical progress as closely as possible. Our study is intended to provide input for this.”

According to the study, battery storage currently costs less than $100 per kilowatt hour, a significantly lower amount than previously predicted for 2030 in a study from two years ago. They predict that the price premium for battery storage will decrease from its current rate of 100% to only 28% by 2030. In fact, experts project that by 2050, there will be a potential global supply of 63,000 terawatt hours of solar energy – twice the amount of clean energy currently produced by coal. Additionally, research shows that 80% of private investments in new energy capacity are now focused on non-fossil fuel sources. Despite these advancements, the persistence of coal can be attributed to factors such as job preservation and political constraints rather than financial viability. MCC Applied Sustainability Science working group leader and co-author of the study, Jan Minx, commented:

“New scenario models, some of which are starting to be explored, are likely to demonstrate in the foreseeable future that the global climate transition might not be as expensive as previously assumed, and may even be cost saving – provided it is finally tackled.”

Greenhouse gas emissions are higher than ever and the measures taken so far are too weak, but in this politically difficult situation, technological progress provides a ray of hope.

The Climate Pledge announces 100 new signatories

Posted on 03/12/202406/17/2024 by D.Smith

The Climate Pledge, a commitment to meet the Paris Agreement 10 years ahead of schedule, has gained significant traction with over 300 businesses from 51 industries and 29 countries now on board. This marks a remarkable growth of almost 600% in signatories since its announcement by Amazon and Global Optimism. The latest additions include major players such as Maersk, SAP, Weyerhaeuser, Sunrun, and HARMAN, among others.

Climate Pledge signatories must agree to:

Measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis.
Implement decarbonization strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions, and other carbon emission elimination strategies.
Neutralize any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially beneficial offsets to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040.

“The effects of climate change are becoming more and more apparent in our surroundings and daily lives, and we firmly believe that the private sector must continue to innovate and collaborate across regions and industries in order to decarbonize the global economy at scale,” said Andy Jassy, Amazon CEO. “It’s an encouraging sign that more than 300 businesses have now signed The Climate Pledge, which commits them to confronting climate change head-on by incorporating real business changes that will make a lasting impact on our planet. We can only do it together.”

Carbon emissions have already been reduced by many of the new Pledge signatories:

Maersk

Maersk is providing industry-leading green customer offerings across the supply chain, including Maersk ECO Delivery, which targets emission reductions in ocean shipping. As of 2020, Amazon participates in this service. As a result of Amazon’s participation in 2021, emissions will be reduced by approximately 20 KTonnes of CO2e (the equivalent of 50 million average passenger vehicle miles).

According to Soren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk, addressing the climate emergency and reducing carbon emissions from our customers’ supply chains is a crucial goal for our company. That’s why we accelerated our efforts in January 2021, committing to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 – ten years earlier than initially planned and in alignment with the Paris Agreement. To achieve this ambitious target, urgent action is needed from all of us. That’s why we are excited about joining The Climate Pledge alongside some of our key customers. We see this as an opportunity to collaborate, exchange knowledge and solutions, and drive significant progress towards a more sustainable future together.

SAP

Earlier this year, SAP accelerated its goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 20 years.

SAP CEO Christian Klein said, “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and now is the time to act.” With the help of technology, we can create a lasting, positive impact on future generations, and SAP is proud to join The Climate Pledge.

Weyerhaeuser

In addition to managing forests sustainably and manufacturing wood products, Weyerhaeuser protects wildlife habitat and serves as a natural climate solution through carbon sequestration and storage, as well as providing a sustainable supply of wood for homes and countless other products. After harvesting, Weyerhaeuser plants 130 million to 150 million trees each year to reforest 100% of its timberlands.

According to Devin W. Stockfish, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser:“Sustainability has been a guiding principle at Weyerhaeuser for well over a century, and we have long believed that our company has an obligation to make a positive impact in our communities and for society more broadly,” said Devin W. Stockfish, Weyerhaeuser president and CEO. “Our working forests and the sustainable wood products we produce play a critical role in helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. And as part of our ongoing sustainability efforts, we have published our inaugural, peer-leading Carbon Record and established a leadership position among our North American industry peers by setting an ambitious, science-based greenhouse gas reduction target. Signing on to The Climate Pledge reflects our commitment to achieve these goals and to help lead on the path to net-zero emissions globally.”

The business community must have a clear path forward: Step up and accelerate emission reductions so that we might be able to avoid the worst of the damages yet to come.

Former Climate Chief of the United Nations, Christiana Figueres founded Global Optimism.

Sunrun

Sunrun’s systems have prevented 8.1 million metric tons of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to negating 20 billion miles driven by an average car.

“At Sunrun, people and the planet are our north star,” said Mary Powell, Sunrun CEO. “Since our founding, we’ve helped more than 660,000 customers across the U.S. switch to clean energy and reduce their carbon emissions through our home solar and battery storage systems, and we’re just getting started. We’re laser focused on finding more ways to electrify homes and enable all Americans to take action on climate change, reduce energy costs, and gain energy independence. We are proud to demonstrate this commitment by signing the Climate Pledge alongside other sustainability leaders.”

HARMAN

HARMAN’s strong emphasis on purpose extends to its commitment to sustainability, which is a crucial business pillar. In line with this, HARMAN has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across all three scopes by 2040. To actively work towards this goal, the company has established ambitious and measurable short-term targets to decrease emissions, energy consumption, and waste throughout its value chain. Additionally, HARMAN has introduced product lines made from sustainably sourced and recycled materials and plans to switch to 100% renewable energy for all its factories by 2025.

“At HARMAN, we know that driving sustainability is an ongoing journey that benefits from constant collaboration,” said Tom Mooney, HARMAN senior director of Government Affairs and Sustainability. “Each of the other Climate Pledge signatories is as committed as we are to building a more sustainable future and understands the value of working together toward our common goal. We’re excited to be joining forces with this community of innovators and thought leaders to create meaningful change.”

Amazon’s dedication to creating an environmentally responsible business for our customers and the planet is evident in our active involvement in The Climate Pledge. Launched in 2019, this pledge commits us to achieving net zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement. Our $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund, which invests in companies that support our mission, has also welcomed BETA Technologies and Infinium into its portfolio. These innovative companies are focused on reducing carbon emissions in the global transportation industry, which was responsible for 7.3 billion metric tons of emissions in 2020. It is worth noting that nearly 13% of signatories to The Climate Pledge come from the transportation, aviation, and logistics sectors, indicating a strong demand for products and services that align with our goal of decarbonization in this critical sector.

The new signatory Pachama, an investee of the Climate Pledge Fund, brings quality, transparency, and scale to nature-based carbon markets. With Pachama, organizations and individuals can compensate for their emissions with confidence by supporting reforestation and forest conservation projects by measuring and monitoring carbon stored in forests over time.

In its latest report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calls for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to invest in natural climate solutions, and to mitigate damage.

According to Christiana Figueres, co-founder of Global Optimism and former climate chief for the United Nations, businesses must take action in order to prevent the potential devastation outlined by recent scientific findings. The Climate Pledge, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 or earlier, has already gained the commitment of 300 companies. However, this alone is not sufficient to bring about the necessary changes. It is imperative that all business leaders thoroughly understand the science and make swift changes in their operations without hesitation.

As part of their commitment to reach the Paris Agreement 10 years early and become net-zero carbon by 2040, Amazon and Global Optimism co-founded The Climate Pledge in 2019. There are now 312 organizations that have signed The Climate Pledge, signaling a rapid rise in the demand for carbon-reducing products and services.

Discover how all 312 signatories of The Climate Pledge are decarbonizing their businesses.

For more information on what commercial solar can do for your business .
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Unlocking Opportunity with the REAP Grant: Empowering Rural Energy Solutions

Posted on 03/12/202403/18/2024 by D.Smith

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), offers a transformative opportunity for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to invest in energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects. By leveraging the REAP grant, businesses can achieve significant cost savings, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the sustainability of rural communities.

Benefits:

1. Financial Support: The REAP grant provides funding to cover up to 25% to 75% of the total project costs, enabling businesses to implement energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy systems with reduced financial burden.

1. Cost Savings and Efficiency: By investing in energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy systems, businesses can realize long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption and operational expenses.

1. Environmental Impact: Embracing renewable energy solutions supported by the REAP grant contributes to environmental sustainability, reducing carbon footprint and promoting a cleaner, greener future for rural communities.

1. Business Growth and Competitiveness: Implementing energy-efficient technologies can enhance the competitiveness of businesses, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and position them as leaders in sustainable practices.

Requirements:

1. Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the REAP grant, businesses must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being located in a rural area, demonstrating financial need, and complying with program regulations.

1. Project Feasibility: Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive project proposal outlining the scope, budget, and expected outcomes of the energy efficiency or renewable energy project.

1. Compliance and Reporting: Successful applicants must adhere to program guidelines, comply with reporting requirements, and ensure that funded projects align with the objectives of the REAP program.

The REAP grant presents a compelling opportunity for businesses to embrace sustainable energy solutions, drive operational efficiency, and contribute to the vitality of rural communities. By leveraging the financial support and guidance offered by the REAP program, businesses can embark on a journey towards energy sustainability, cost savings, and environmental stewardship.

Department of Agriculture Press release

We have specialized REAP loan officers and grant writers to help our customers through this process.

For more information on what commercial solar can do for your business .
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The Cost of Commercial Solar

Posted on 02/14/202403/18/2024 by D.Smith

Costs of commercial solar

In comparison to residential solar systems, commercial solar projects usually cost more than most residential systems due to their size. There is no one size fits all, and while some small businesses may find great value in a $60,000 commercial system, large industrial facilities or solar farms can cost over $1 million to set up.

There are still several tax credits, rebates, and incentives available for commercial solar panel systems just as they do for residential solar panel systems.

COMMERCIAL SOLAR PANEL INCENTIVE

Federal solar tax credit

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) allows a deduction of 30% of the cost of a commercial solar installation.

Bonus depreciation through MACRS

Under MACRS, businesses can take advantage of bonus depreciation to claim tax deductions for the depreciation of eligible solar equipment. This incentive applies to commercial solar installations completed before January 1st 2027, allowing companies to recover their investment within five years. Since 2008, bonus depreciation has been incorporated into MACRS, enabling businesses to allocate the full depreciable value in just one year. Essentially, MACRS provides a means for businesses to expedite their return on investment by utilizing tax deductions.

Net metering

Net metering, or NEM, is a benefit available to businesses that produce their own energy through solar panels. Similar to residential customers, these commercial properties can sell excess energy back to the grid and receive credits from their utility company. These credits can then be used to offset energy costs during times when solar production may be lower, such as at night or on cloudy days. However, net metering is becoming less common nationwide, which could affect the amount of savings for those currently utilizing this perk in the future.

For more information on what commercial solar can do for your business .
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Unleash the Power of Commercial Solar Panel Systems: A Game-changer for your Business

Posted on 02/14/202403/15/2024 by D.Smith

Imagine a world where you are at the helm of a successful, sustainable business and save millions by producing your own electricity. Welcome to the world of commercial solar panel systems. With businesses getting smarter about their investments, many are turning to solar energy as a solution. But, why are they making the switch?

Let’s explore.

Understanding Commercial Solar Power

Commercial solar systems are not limited to large-scale utility. It can also include smaller setups like rooftop or ground-mounted installations for businesses, also called “distributed generation.” These setups generate power at or near the point of usage, reducing transmission losses. Any excess energy is fed back into the grid, earning you valuable bill credits under net metering policies.

Why Businesses are Going Solar

Affordability and Financial Incentives

Deterred by the upfront costs? Don’t be. Numerous financial incentives substantially reduce the initial cost of solar panel systems. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Production Tax Credit (PTC), Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) Bonus depreciation, and Net metering are a few favorable policies that can bring down your system’s cost by nearly 70%!

Return on Investment (ROI)

With companies spending thousands on electricity each year, businesses can save up to $101,259 over 20 years with a solar panel system that offsets 90% of their energy consumption. Beyond savings, solar provides a hedge against volatile energy prices, making budgeting easier.

Attract More Customers

In a world increasingly valuing sustainability, solar panel systems can enhance your brand image. According to PwC’s 2021 survey, 83% of consumers believe companies should endorse Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices. Having a solar-powered business aligns you with consumer values, potentially increasing your customer base.

Employee Satisfaction

Just as customers are drawn to sustainable companies, so are employees. A PwC 2021 survey found that 86% of employees preferred to work for companies that care about the same issues they do. Showcasing your commitment to solar power could improve employee retention and productivity.

Support for the Local Economy

Going solar means supporting your local economy. With an increase in solar projects, job availability in the solar sector also rises. As of 2023, there are over 350,000 solar jobs nationwide, a 9% increase YoY. By installing a solar energy system, you could contribute to job creation and potentially gain new customers from the industry.

Conclusion

Commercial solar panel systems are not just about generating clean energy. They offer potential cost savings, customer and employee satisfaction, and provide a substantial contribution to the local economy. Isn’t it time for your business to step into the future and go solar?

For a free Energy Audit to see if solar is a good fit for your business.

For more information on what commercial solar can do for your business .
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Solar Power is Good for Business

Posted on 01/04/202403/10/2024 by D.Smith

Solar power is an increasingly popular energy source that can benefit businesses in a variety of ways. By investing in commercial solar installation, companies are able to save money, reduce their environmental impact, and increase the reliability of their energy supply. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the many advantages of solar power for businesses and why investing in a commercial solar installation is a wise decision.

Solar power is an excellent way for businesses to reduce their energy costs while also reducing their environmental footprint. Commercial solar installation provides businesses with lower operating costs due to reduced electricity bills, as well as the potential for tax incentives and accelerated depreciation. With commercial solar power, businesses can benefit from reliable electricity supply and potentially receive credits for excess energy generated. Lower energy costs over time add up to significant savings for businesses, making solar power an attractive option for many companies. With solar panels, businesses can enjoy clean energy that is both renewable and affordable.

Business-owned solar power systems are eligible for two nationwide incentives in the US: the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). You can combine the ITC and MACRS, but you must subtract half of the ITC from the solar asset value. If you’re considering solar power for a commercial or industrial building, you have most likely heard about the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Thanks to the ITC, you can claim 30% of your solar PV system costs as a federal tax credit on your next tax payment as well as 80% accelerated depreciation in 2023. The ITC and MACRS are just two of the many benefits of solar power for businesses, and the financial incentives are a great way to ensure that your solar system pays for itself in no time.

The benefits of solar power don’t end there. Solar power is also an environmentally friendly solution to your business’s energy needs. By utilizing solar energy, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help make the world a cleaner, healthier place. What’s more, you can save a great deal of money on energy bills in the long run. Going solar has never been easier, and with these incentives in place, it’s an even more attractive option for businesses looking to get the most out of their energy sources. With all the benefits of solar power readily available, why would any company not want to invest in this clean renewable energy?

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The Inflation Reduction Act Good news for Nonprofits Going Solar

Posted on 12/21/202303/10/2024 by D.Smith

The Inflation Reduction Act, was recently passed. One of the major points in this legislations is that it will make it easier for nonprofit organizations to go solar. This legislation allows nonprofit organizations to take advantage of the same solar tax credits that are available to businesses, making it more financially viable for them to switch to clean, renewable energy.

One of the main barriers that has prevented many nonprofits from going solar in the past is the upfront cost of installation. Solar panel systems can be expensive to install, and many nonprofit organizations simply don’t have the budget for it. The Solar for Nonprofits Act addresses this issue by allowing nonprofits to claim the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which can significantly reduce the cost of going solar.

The ITC allows organizations to claim a credit worth up to 26% of the cost of their solar panel system. This can make a significant difference in the affordability of going solar, and it’s a game changer for many nonprofit organizations that may have previously been unable to afford the upfront cost.

In addition to the ITC, the Inflation Reduction Act also includes other provisions that will help make it easier for nonprofits to go solar. For example, it allows organizations to claim the credit even if they don’t have a tax liability, which is a common issue for nonprofit organizations. This means that they can still claim the credit and use it to offset the cost of their solar panel system, even if they don’t owe any taxes.

Renewable energy is becoming a key priority for many lenders. To support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate action and partnerships, many banks are developing specialized commercial loan products designed to encourage the use of solar energy. These loan products include loans for rooftop solar systems, loans for energy efficiency improvements, sustainably certified commercial real estate financing, and sustainably certified construction loans.

Banks focused on accelerating the transition to clean energy are best positioned to help nonprofits secure advantageous funding for their solar installations. There are specialist lenders that have the institutional knowledge and technical know-how to develop innovative funding structures with favorable rates and terms designed to help nonprofits finance these installations.

There is no doubt that the IRA coupled with financing tools that provide funding support for clean energy projects will catalyze nonprofit organizations to deploy solar energy and speed their transition to a net-zero emissions future. Going solar will offer these organizations long-term cost savings while providing the benefits of combatting climate change, creating jobs and bringing new investment into their communities.

Summing up the bottom-line benefits of the IRA, a blog post by Candace Vahlsing, associate director for climate, energy, environment, and science with the White Houses’ Office of Management and Budget, said “the Inflation Reduction Act will help ease the burden that climate change imposes on the American public, strengthen our economy, and reduce future financial risks to the Federal Government and to taxpayers.”

Overall, the Inflation Reduction Act is a major win for nonprofit organizations that are looking to switch to clean, renewable energy. It removes many of the financial barriers that have previously made it difficult for these organizations to go solar, and it makes it more financially viable for them to make the switch. As a result, we can expect to see more and more nonprofit organizations going solar in the coming years, which is great news for the environment and for the future of renewable energy.

FAQ’s about Solar

Posted on 09/09/202303/15/2024 by D.Smith

HOW IS SOLAR ENERGY HARNESSED? There are three primary ways to use the light and heat of the sun. First, photovoltaics (PV) directly converts energy from sunlight into electricity. Second, concentrating solar power (CSP) plants use mirrors to concentrate heat from the sun to drive utility scale, electric turbines. And third, heating and cooling systems collect thermal energy from the sun and use the heat to provide hot water and air conditioning.
HOW MUCH SOLAR EXISTS TODAY? There are more than 8,300 utility scale solar projects in the United States capable of generating over 67 gigawatts of solar electricity. That’s enough to power 12.7 million homes and offset 76 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.
CAN SOLAR SAVE ME MONEY? Yes! Nationwide, large utility companies are turning to solar in order to shift away from carbon resources and make renewable energy more accessible to customers. Solar relieves stress and strain on the electric grid and reduces costs for utilities. Those savings are then passed down to customers.
DO SOLAR PROJECTS CREATE SOUND? No, solar farms do not create sound that’s audible outside the project. Additionally, solar projects use minimal water and do not generate any type of air, water or ground pollution. In 2018, a new solar project was installed every 100 seconds.
SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION DO SOLAR PANELS CREATE GLARE? No, solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight and not reflect it.
HOW ARE SOLAR PROJECT SITES IDENTIFIED? A number of factors are considered to identify a suitable solar project location. These include close proximity to the grid transmission network (power lines), ease of constructability, transportation access, low environmental impacts, and flat land.
CAN SOLAR PROJECTS BE LOCATED OUT OF SIGHT OF HOMES AND BUSINESSES? Developers take great care in locating and designing projects to minimize impacts to residences, and there are several factors that are important to siting a solar farm effectively. If designed correctly, solar farms will not change the look or feel of a community and there are many projects that coexist with residential areas. At only 8-12 feet high, solar arrays have a low profile and landscaping is often used to shield the project from view.
DOES THE SOLAR INDUSTRY CREATE JOBS? As of 2018, over 200,000 solarrelated jobs were created in North America. That’s nearly a quarter of a million families who help support the growth of clean energy nationwide. Additionally, construction and operations jobs in local communities generate increased business for local services like hotels and restaurants. 12.7 million homes could be powered by the current installed solar capacity in the
U.S. SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION CAN SOLAR PROJECTS HELP SAVE WATER? Yes, in areas of the country where water resources are scarce, solar helps reduce the amount of water utilities need to generate electricity.
WHY BUILD A SOLAR PROJECT ON FARM LANDS, WON’T THAT BE LAND OUT OF PRODUCTION? Solar projects complement agriculture by helping farmers manage commodity price shifts, make money, and protect their way of life. Solar lease agreements include a binding commitment that project owners will return land to its prior use once a project has completed its useful life. Additionally, native grasses or wildflowers are typically planted that improve soil and water quality.
ARE THERE ANY COMMUNITY BENEFITS TO HOSTING A SOLAR PROJECT? Yes, solar projects lower electricity bills, provide economic growth and increase energy independence for communities. A typical solar project will generate 30 years of new steady tax revenue to fund schools and other community services while helping keep taxes low for homeowners.

thanks to Solar Energy Industries Association: www.seia.org for the information

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Category: Commercial Solar

Rural Energy for America Program

Maximizing Your Solar Investment with USDA Reap Grants

Wind and solar have approached 80% of the total generation

Solar and battery storage prices have seen an almost 90% drop in the last 10 years

“Some calculations even suggest that the world’s entire energy consumption in 2050 could be completely and cost-effectively covered by solar technology and other renewables.

This is an extremely optimistic scenario – but it illustrates that the future is open. Climate science, which provides policymakers with guidance in its scenario models, must reflect technical progress as closely as possible. Our study is intended to provide input for this.”

“New scenario models, some of which are starting to be explored, are likely to demonstrate in the foreseeable future that the global climate transition might not be as expensive as previously assumed, and may even be cost saving – provided it is finally tackled.”