Sol Systems’ Post

🌿 Exciting News from Grand Rapids! 🌿 The Fiscal Committee has greenlit contracts and payments totaling $250,000 to 3Degrees Group, Inc. and Sol Systems for the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) for 2024 and 2025 with the help of our consultant Foresight Management. This investment means Grand Rapids is set to achieve 100% renewable energy for all municipal operations during these years, making us the first city in Michigan—and one of the few in the U.S.—to hit this milestone! Our journey to 100% renewable includes: 🌿 Developing a one-megawatt solar array at the Lake Michigan Filtration Plant 🌿 Reducing overall electricity use 🌿 Converting to LED street lighting 🌿 Using our biodigester 🌿 Pursuing solar development at the Butterworth Landfill But what are RECs? The U.S. EPA defines a REC as a market-based instrument that represents the property rights to the environmental, social, and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation. RECs are issued when one megawatt of electricity is generated and delivered to the electricity grid from a renewable energy resource. Together, we're making Grand Rapids greener and setting a benchmark for cities nationwide! 💚✨ #SustainableGR #RenewableEnergy #GreenCity #GrandRapids #CleanEnergyFuture GR Office of Sustainability: https://lnkd.in/gwaYeyuA

One of the inaugural projects of the Center for Rural Affairs was the Small Farm Energy Project, which sought to demonstrate that the adoption of alternative energy technologies by small family farms can make positive contributions to their incomes. It worked. The Center understood then—in 1979—that renewable energy offered both environmental and economic benefits for independent operators. In the following decades, the Center continued to promote clean energy, including through local, state, and federal policy change. Hear more from  our executive director as he discusses how, today, three federal programs are helping us develop programs, assistance, and resources to help rural people understand, access, and leverage the array of new opportunities. #renewableenergy #policychange

Celebrating a green milestone in Pennsylvania on Earth Day! 🌞🌱 On Earth Day, we were joined by Governor Josh Shapiro, Constellation, and other partners at a ribbon cutting for one of our #solar farms in York County. The solar farm is a part of Cottontail Solar, a clean energy project comprised of multiple solar farms across the state. Sixteen state agencies will source #cleanenergy from the Cottontail Solar project as part of Pennsylvania PULSE (Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy), a groundbreaking initiative aimed to source 50% of the state’s energy from #solar power. 🌎💡 Our Responsible Solar approach has been implemented in Cottontail Solar with social and environmental benefits such as:  🧰 200 jobs created during construction to date, the majority from central Pennsylvania including LIUNA Laborers’ Local 158   🌼 Pollinator-friendly plants growing under and around the solar panels  🐑 Agrivoltaics – the combination of solar and agriculture – through sheep grazing and beekeeping on several sites.    https://lnkd.in/gcwBZ6dj    #WeAreLightsourcebp #ResponsibleSolar #PennslyvaniaSolar #CottontailSolar 

How can federal, state, and local policy help deploy solar power to meet clean energy needs while protecting the land? Dual-use solar – the co-location of solar with another land use such as interspersing panels with crop production or installing systems on water bodies – provides an opportunity to build renewable energy infrastructure in a way that integrates local benefits into the design.  But building dual-use solar is challenging under existing state and local land-use policies due to the complexity of it being a mixed land use. Most local governments have yet to incorporate any form of solar development into their existing land-use regulations or comprehensive land-use plans. CATF’s Natalie Manitius and Nelson Falkenburg explore how land-use policies can enable the deployment of dual-use solar and highlight the need for continued federal support for research and demonstration projects with clear guidance on standards and definitions. https://lnkd.in/g8vMgAeJ #solarpower #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #landuse #landuseplanning #dualusesolar #solarenergy #climatepolicy #climateaction #energyinfrastructure

Continued investment in renewable energy projects for rural and agricultural businesses are combating climate change at the grassroots level, making these businesses more competitive, and making our rural economy more resilient. These announcements happen to be in my new neck of the woods, but the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) is making these investments all over the United States. https://lnkd.in/gbnmuT6S.

Historically, many communities have been unfairly sidelined in environmental decision-making, leading to unequal burdens on marginalized groups, disparities in health outcomes, and deep-rooted mistrust. The public demands and rightfully deserves a meaningful role in determining the location, timing, and methods of renewable energy facility construction before any significant decisions are finalized. Check out this insightful read on how we can work towards getting to "yes" on siting energy projects: https://lnkd.in/eUmFsT9M

In a world racing towards a sustainable future, the right energy solution can be a game-changer. Cal Microgrids stands at the forefront of this revolution, offering seamless, state-of-the-art installations in partnership with leading solar project developers. Imagine a world where energy assurance is not just a concept, but a living, breathing reality. Our renewable microgrids are more than just energy sources; they're a testament to innovation and sustainability. They're about empowering homes, businesses, and communities with reliable, eco-friendly energy solutions. With Cal Microgrids, you're not just choosing an energy provider; you're choosing a partner in building a greener, more sustainable future. Our expert team works tirelessly to ensure that your transition to renewable energy is smooth, efficient, and transformative. Join the Renewable Revolution with Cal Microgrids. Ready to take a leap into a sustainable future? Reach out to Blair Pruett at blair@calmicrogrids.com. #LeadTheChange #RenewableRevolution #CalMicrogridsInnovation #SolarEnergyFuture #EcoFriendlyPower Grimway Farms Kern Economic Development Corporation The City of Bakersfield Aera Energy LLC Berry Corporation Chevron California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo California Air Resources Board Rio Tinto A-C Electric Company Penn Power Group Cornerstone Engineering, Inc. Northeast - Western Energy Systems

In Lansing, Michigan, the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, a promising set of bills aimed at boosting renewable energy projects, has passed a crucial hurdle, moving towards the house floor. The Energy, Communications, and Technology committee's approval is a positive step, despite some opposition from residents and communities. The legislation is designed to streamline the development of renewable energy projects, offering a greener and more sustainable future for Michigan. While there are concerns from a few who worry about its impact on rural life, the overall outlook is optimistic. Many Michiganders see this as an opportunity to enhance the state's environmental well-being and create a more sustainable energy landscape.

"Addressing community concerns about the impact of solar on food security and rural economies will be essential to getting renewable projects built, and therefore achieving climate targets. . . " As an agri-at-heart, infrastructure realist, and environmentalist who also lived in these rural farmlands, it has long been a major concern of mine that viable farm, ranch, and forestry lands are being lost in droves to scaled solar farms. A major land use balancing act is necessary to consider the impacts of decarbonizing with renewable energy to food security, agricultural/rural preservation, and overall land use compatibility. Read these recommendations from American Farmland Trust for some proposed considerations and solutions to do just that balancing act. #renewableenergy #decarbonization #solar #farmlands #agriculture #rural #ruraldevelopment #infrastructure #landuse #landuseplanning #realestate #realestatelaw #environmentallaw #cleanpower #cleanair #foodsecurity

They received how much??🤑 Chicago's Blacks in Green, led by Naomi Davis, secured a significant win of receiving $12.5 million in renewable energy credits to develop three community solar projects! 🌄 The projects, valued at $25.7 million, will be executed by the Green Energy Justice Cooperative, a collaboration initiated by Blacks in Green and partners. These projects aim to benefit under-resourced communities in Aurora, Naperville, and Romeoville, Illinois. The Green Energy Justice Cooperative, launched in 2022, focuses on providing low-income communities of color with ownership of energy generation. 💡 Renters, condominium owners, and homeowners unable to install solar will be co-owners, promoting community engagement and shared profits. Davis emphasizes the organization's commitment to expanding clean energy businesses, decarbonizing buildings, and creating strong communities against climate change. 🌞💚 Read more about it here: https://hubs.ly/Q02gQ-GP0 #CleanEnergy #CommunitySolar #Sustainability #RenewableEnergyCredits