Highland Resource Group’s Post

This piece highlights the complex dynamics at play in the community solar debate in California. While the utilities' stance risks impeding adoption, vilifying them is unproductive. At their core, utilities are businesses accountable to shareholders and bottom lines. Outrage when they act to protect profits presumes altruistic motives where none exist. More effective is acknowledging utilities' constraints and seeking collaborative paths. For California's climate goals, utilities remain essential partners, not adversaries. A better framework may be viewing utilities as leverageable assets. Their systems knowledge and customer reach is unparalleled. But their incentives must be realigned. What if community solar could provide grid services, reducing utility costs? Or credits engaged consumers in load shifting, supporting electrification? Shared wins are possible. Progress lives in nuance. Renewables are essential, and so are stable utilities with happy shareholders. With creativity and communication, we can achieve both. How might we collectively shift the narrative to solution-seeking versus blame? I believe there are many pathways to progress if we widen the lens. #ira #electrification #cleanenergy #renewables #decarbonization #solar #communitysolar #CA #california https://lnkd.in/ggNW6edv

🌞 Community solar energy is making waves across several states in the US! This innovative solution allows residents to access green energy through subscription services, reducing costs and benefiting those unable to install rooftop solar, like renters and low-income homeowners. 🏠 In California, however, there's a debate brewing over community solar due to concerns about market saturation. Despite opposition from regulators and utilities, many key players like home builders, lawmakers, unions, and environmentalists are rallying behind this cost-effective and efficient energy source. https://lnkd.in/gd7TwNnr 💡 What's your take on community solar energy? Do you believe it's a game-changer in the renewable energy landscape? Share your thoughts below! 🌿 Saddleback Energy Consulting provides commercial and industrial businesses with innovative, cost-effective energy solutions. saddlebackenergy.net | marc@saddlebackenergy.net | (949) 633-0299 #SustainableFuture #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #CaliforniaSolar #EnergySolution #RenewableEnergy #CommunitySolar #GreenEnergy #saddlebackenergyconsulting #esg #sustainability #renewables #renewableenergy

The California Public Utility Commission recently issued a proposed order that states the Net Value Billing Tariff in the community solar legislation conflicts with federal law. According to the Coalition for Community Solar Access: "The proposed decision is flawed in numerous ways, but most importantly, it fails to provide the foundation needed for California to build a sustainable, scalable community solar program, which will ultimately leave billions of private investment and matching federal dollars on the table and ratepayers without a choice for more affordable, clean energy." Community solar is an essential program for ensuring equitable and affordable clean energy access for all. Considering the massive appetite for community solar in California, we are hopeful that this is only a temporary setback to the success of the program. #California #communitysolar #solar #cleanenergy #energyequity

**Bold Title: The Future of Community Solar: Spotlight on California's Key Role in the National Solar Landscape** ✅ The California Public Utilities Commission’s recent decision hampers the potential growth of the community solar market - a solar array that allows residents who can't install home solar panels to tap into an off-site solar facility. 🌞 ✅ The Community Renewable Energy Act opener aims to create an equitable community solar program, mirroring New York's effective model. 🏡⚡ ✅ Advocacy groups strongly chide the concerted decision, their criticism emphasizing the importance of community solar for lower-income groups and its crucial role in pursuing cleaner energy goals. 💡💪 The budding promise of community solar is now under intense scrutiny, particularly in California, credited to the California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) ambivalent decision on the Community Renewable Energy Act. This indispensable legislation is modeled after New York's successful community solar system and seeks to promote equal, affordable access to solar-generated power for all—especially those in financially restricted brackets. The CPUC's decree, claiming the Act contradicts the federal law, has created a cloud of uncertainty, eliciting criticism from prominent advocacy groups committed to renewable energy. They contend that the decision disregards earlier precedents, state laws, and the potential to establish California as a national innovator in community solar. The Department of Energy's endorsement of community solar projects further heightens the significance of this market. As a result, the pull of major private solar companies for community solar programming could be a transformative way to meet America's clean energy objectives. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com 🚀💻

At this point, the value of community solar is obvious—even if California's IOUs are covering their ears. Vote Solar's Sachu Constantine lays out exactly how beneficial community solar will be for Californians and undercuts the utility companies' weak objections to the program. Implementing the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) with utility consolidated billing would bring revenue to the utilities and aid in community solar's quick success in the state. With a coalition of everyone vs. the utilities, it should be clear to policymakers and regulators that the public interest is aligned with community solar. #california #communitysolar #renewables #climate #sustainability

**Bold Title: The Future of Community Solar: Spotlight on California's Key Role in the National Solar Landscape** ✅ The California Public Utilities Commission’s recent decision hampers the potential growth of the community solar market - a solar array that allows residents who can't install home solar panels to tap into an off-site solar facility. 🌞 ✅ The Community Renewable Energy Act opener aims to create an equitable community solar program, mirroring New York's effective model. 🏡⚡ ✅ Advocacy groups strongly chide the concerted decision, their criticism emphasizing the importance of community solar for lower-income groups and its crucial role in pursuing cleaner energy goals. 💡💪 The budding promise of community solar is now under intense scrutiny, particularly in California, credited to the California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) ambivalent decision on the Community Renewable Energy Act. This indispensable legislation is modeled after New York's successful community solar system and seeks to promote equal, affordable access to solar-generated power for all—especially those in financially restricted brackets. The CPUC's decree, claiming the Act contradicts the federal law, has created a cloud of uncertainty, eliciting criticism from prominent advocacy groups committed to renewable energy. They contend that the decision disregards earlier precedents, state laws, and the potential to establish California as a national innovator in community solar. The Department of Energy's endorsement of community solar projects further heightens the significance of this market. As a result, the pull of major private solar companies for community solar programming could be a transformative way to meet America's clean energy objectives. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com 🚀💻

Introducing our new series ‘The Solar States’ Chronicles!’ 🌞🌎 This is just the beginning of our new series where we explore groundbreaking solar initiatives across the USA. Kicking things off, we delve into how New Jersey is leading the charge in fostering equitable clean energy for all. In our first installment, witness how the Garden State is revolutionizing its solar landscape to break down barriers and ensure that the benefits of clean energy reach every corner. From an enhanced Community Solar Program to strategic legislation (A4782/S3123), New Jersey is making waves by prioritizing low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents, promising a minimum bill credit of 15% and dedicating a whopping 51% of program capacity to LMI subscribers. But that's not all – the Solar States’ Chronicles is set to unfold more captivating stories from various states, showcasing their unique solar innovations and contributions to the clean energy revolution. 🚀✨ Ready to be a part of this solar journey? Dive into the in-depth coverage of New Jersey's trailblazing efforts by clicking the link below.  https://lnkd.in/dVcg3_dx #industrynews #news #solar #newjersey #gardenstate #electricvehicles #renewableenergy #sustainability #finulent #finulentsolutions

New Jersey is making significant strides in renewable energy with the expansion of its Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP), following recent legislation signed by Governor Phil Murphy. This program is a game-changer for residents who can't install solar panels on their own rooftops. The new law simplifies the CSEP, ensuring seamless energy bills for subscribers and increasing capacity for community solar development across the state. Governor Murphy emphasized that this expansion is a step towards a greener future, offering all New Jersey families access to affordable and clean energy. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) President, Christine Guhl-Sadovy, acknowledged the program's national recognition and its role in lowering utility bills. Senator Bob Smith and Assemblyman John McKeon praised the program for outpacing expectations, offering financial savings, and supporting New Jersey's clean energy transition. Environmental groups have lauded the program. Doug O’Malley from Environment New Jersey called it a "clean energy home run," praising its increased capacity and streamlined process. Ed Potosnak of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters highlighted the job opportunities and on-the-job training the solar sector offers, noting its rapid growth in the U.S. clean energy economy. #RenewableEnergy #CommunitySolar #NewJersey #CleanEnergy #Innovation Join the discussion on renewable energy advancements and stay updated with HRG for the latest in sustainable development. Embrace a future powered by clean energy! https://lnkd.in/e7gMvnzR

Samantha Tse, how exciting it must be to work on the Solar For All initiative -- part of New Jersey’s nation-leading Community Solar Energy Program -- in helping to facilitate and promote the construction and availability of solar energy in the state. (Glad your white sneaker and the top of your hardhat made it into the picture in the article at least. 🙂) ***** The transition to sustainable energy sources is crucial to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to decarbonization, this work will also help promote energy equity (UNSDG Goal 7: https://lnkd.in/gFRF_gnT) and environmental justice. Excerpt from the article: "The Inflation Reduction Act was signed by President Biden in 2022. The law’s Solar For All program makes solar energy more accessible to families – including those who can’t install panels on their own homes...This makes clean energy affordable and accessible… The initiative will also support grid improvements, job training, and significant reductions in greenhouse gas pollution." #Solar #CleanEnergy #SolarForAll #UNSDG #EnergyEquity #CleanEnergy #Sustainability

The utility industrial complex strikes again. The fallacy and narratives that the #utility industry get away with perpetuating is shocking. The CPUC regulators ignored the unprecedented public support of a broad-based, bi-partisan coalition and somehow managed to argue that combining two failed community #solar programs will yield a successful one. They also continue to use a false comparison to claim that distributed solar is expensive and that ratepayers would suffer, when the opposite is true. Many thanks to commissioner Darcie L. H. Houck for her thoughtful and articulate comments that implored the commission to consider the ramifications of this decison ahead of her dissenting vote. #energytransition #communitysolar #renewableenergy #smartgrid #distributedgeneration