August 2013 Connecting to the Grid Newsletter
The high upfront cost of solar has always been a barrier to participation for many who would otherwise welcome the chance to green their energy supply. Many organizations, including IREC, are working to change this by offering solutions to break through these economic barriers.
WHAT’S NEW AS OF AUGUST 2013?
Note from the Editor
Opening the Roof for Affordable Solar
The high upfront cost of solar has always been a barrier to participation for many who would otherwise welcome the chance to green their energy supply. So has a lack of roof ownership for renters. These factors, along with other barriers have given solar somewhat of a reputation – that it’s really only a feasible option for the wealthier homeowner. Many organizations, including IREC, are working to change this by offering solutions to break through these economic barriers.
After all, renewable energy could theoretically be viewed as a great equalizer. Like many energy efficiency programs, solar can be an excellent way to reduce long-term energy costs. But it also goes a step further by providing a hedge against rising energy prices, which often represent a disproportionately large line item on low-income budgets.
State News in Detail
Northeast States
New Hampshire enacts group net metering legislation
New York expands solar goals under NY-Sun initiative
Vermont’s 4% net metering cap generates legal debate
Mid-Atlantic States
New Jersey study finds major health benefits in distributed solar
Midwestern States
Wisconsin utility seeks more restrictive net metering policy
Southern States
Georgia PSC expands solar energy portfolio
Western States
Renewable-power producers take PSC complaints to FERC
Nevada PUC seeks comments on net metering cost/benefit analysis
Washington UTC issues final interconnection order
Other States
Hawaii’s renewable energy efforts paying off
Upcoming Events
Miscellaneous News
NREL Report Firms Up Land-Use Requirements of Solar
Download the full newsletter as a PDF: August 2013 Connecting to the Grid Newsletter
FORMAT
While customer-sited net metering and interconnection policies are primarily addressed at the state level, they are also becoming important on a regional basis. This newsletter has been designed to provide state-level policy updates and capture emerging regional trends. Connecting to the Grid is a free, electronic newsletter published each month by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC). Click here to subscribe.
Editor: Laurel Passera
