Conservation Voters of South Carolina’s Post

2023 was a strong year for solar installations! SEIA recently posted the top 5 states for solar installed capacity in 2023. (1) Texas (2) California (3) Florida (4) Colorado and (5) Ohio As a native Texan, I'm proud to see my home state top the list this year. As more States adopt solar-friendly policies, I wonder if California will stay in the top 5 without strong support for community solar. https://lnkd.in/gcs7ENA9

Georgia appears primed for another push to revamp community solar in the state. Legislators are gearing up to submit a new proposal early next year to revise or replace the currently floundering existing community solar program. A new or improved program in the state could open up significant development opportunities in Georgia. A successful community solar program would bring investment, jobs and cheaper, cleaner energy to underserved communities across the state. We're watching this closely as we are always ears to the ground for emerging markets for our clients. What do you think about this possible change? Do you believe next year will be the year that Georgia will finally bring a true community solar program to the state? *** Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eTUWQmXB

Will community solar continue to grow in the United States even as existing markets reach saturation? A new report from Wood Mackenzie and Coalition for Community Solar Access indicates the growth rate of the industry may depend on what happens with legislation in four states: https://lnkd.in/e-FH6W_C

Curious about how #SolarShare delivers up to 25% APY? Dive into our latest Medium article where we break down our earning mechanics, benefits of building solar in Brazil, and real case study numbers! https://lnkd.in/evxQtj_S

Wisconsin is leading the way toward a carbon-free future through significant investments in utility-scale solar energy. Data shows solar power is now the state’s top clean energy investment, helping transition to 100% carbon-free electricity. These investments not only create good union jobs for Wisconsin workers, but also reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future for all.

PV Magazine lays out the widely supported demand for a robust community solar + storage program in California, as well as the significant clean energy and economic ramifications of continuing to implement failed programs. https://lnkd.in/g6PTZBKY

Puerto Rico ringing in the New Year in near-total darkness is a stark reminder of why resilient, reliable, and renewable energy is no longer just a goal, but a necessity. An aging grid, severe weather threats, and underinvestment have left 1.3 million people (over 80% of utility customers) without power once again—right at the height of holiday celebrations. (Source: The New York Times) This isn’t just about the inconvenience of spoiled parties; it impacts public health, the economy, education, and everyday life. It underscores the urgent need for distributed generation—such as rooftop solar + battery storage—microgrids, and robust backup solutions to keep essential services running. But there’s also incredible opportunity here. Puerto Rico has a target of running on 100% renewables by 2050 and a midpoint goal of 40% by 2025. With focused investments, forward-thinking policies, and continued innovation, these blackouts could become a thing of the past. Key Takeaways: Resiliency: Reliable power is critical for both businesses and communities. Local Generation & Storage: Solar + battery systems offer immediate lifelines in outages. Policy & Funding: Billions allocated for grid improvements must be effectively deployed. Sustainable Future: Shifting to clean energy reduces reliance on imported fuels and builds long-term economic and environmental health. Now is the time to accelerate the energy transition, close the gap on infrastructure funding, and ensure that Puerto Ricans (and communities worldwide) have the reliable, resilient power they deserve. Ready to explore renewable energy solutions for your home, business, or community? Visit https://lnkd.in/gkdHhU69 to learn more about how solar + storage can transform resilience and sustainability in your area. Let’s keep pushing forward to make clean energy the cornerstone of our collective future! #RenewableEnergy #Resilience #PuertoRico #Infrastructure #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #CleanTech #GridResilience

Exciting news from British Columbia! B.C. Hydro has announced a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar and battery energy storage systems across the province. Starting this July, homeowners and businesses can qualify for rebates up to CAD 10,000 ($7,341) for installing a combined solar photovoltaic (PV) system and battery storage setup. This initiative not only promotes sustainable energy solutions but also empowers individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing energy independence. But that’s not all—B.C. Hydro is extending targeted rebates, potentially reaching up to $150,000, to apartment buildings, schools, community organizations, local governments, small businesses, social housing providers, and Indigenous communities. These incentives aim to support diverse sectors in embracing clean energy solutions tailored to their needs. This initiative aligns with B.C.’s new Clean Energy Strategy, unveiled recently, which underscores the province's commitment to fostering a green economy, creating jobs, and ensuring affordable electricity for all. Canada’s B.C. Hydro to offer solar, battery rebates: https://lnkd.in/dKz_nV5B #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #EnergyStorage #Sustainability

𝙁𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙃𝙪𝙜𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙨' 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) celebrates the Biden Administration's historic $7 billion investment in the Solar for All program, which includes nearly $406 million for Texas communities. This initiative aims to boost the state's renewable energy economy, create union jobs, and enhance grid reliability. 𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔: 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐰-𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Austin and San Antonio will receive funds to install solar panels and battery storage systems, ensuring greater protection against power outages and reducing energy costs. 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬: The investment will help reduce pollution, create green jobs, and support historically disadvantaged communities. 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: By focusing on solar power, the program strengthens local grid resilience to climate change. 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕: 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲: Plans to expand access to solar power, benefiting disadvantaged communities and enhancing local grid resilience. 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨: Will use the funding to install solar panels and battery storage in energy-burdened households, reducing electricity bills and increasing resilience. 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: The investment emphasizes creating quality union jobs and utilizing apprenticeship programs for structured training and career advancement. 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Nationwide, the program will deliver residential solar power to over 900,000 households, saving $350 million annually in electricity costs and avoiding 30 million metric tons of carbon pollution over 25 years. This significant federal support is a step forward in addressing Texas' grid vulnerabilities and promoting a cleaner, more resilient energy future. #CleanEnergy #GridReliability #SolarForAll #Texas #RenewableEnergy #UnionJobs #ClimateAction https://lnkd.in/dW5tmaXx

Disappointing Decision by CPUC: A Setback for California's Solar Growth On May 30, 2024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) made a disheartening decision, approving a revised proposal for the state's community solar program, supported by major investor-owned utilities. This decision ignored a promising alternative proposed by a coalition of solar advocates, ratepayer groups, and labor unions. The rejected proposal, based on a Net Value Billing Tariff, aimed to compensate community solar subscribers fairly and boost renewable energy capacity. The approved decision makes only minor changes to existing programs, which have already failed to foster substantial renewable energy growth. Derek Chernow from the Coalition for Community Solar Access criticized the decision, stating it disregards the demands for a functional community solar program and solidifies California's lagging position in community solar markets. Similarly, Aaron Halimi of Renewable Properties expressed concern that this decision will deter investment in community solar projects, undermining the state's climate goals and efforts to reduce electric bills for low-income residents. Stephanie Doyle of the Solar Energy Industries Association emphasized that the CPUC's decision favors utilities' financial interests over the needs of low-income Californians and renters, further blocking their participation in the clean energy economy. She called for intervention from Governor Newsom and state leaders to prevent further setbacks in California's clean energy progress. This decision marks a significant missed opportunity for California to lead in community solar, leaving solar advocates deeply disappointed. #CPUC #CommunitySolar #RenewableEnergy #SolarGrowth #CleanEnergy #CaliforniaSolar #EnergyEquity #Sustainability #ClimateGoals https://lnkd.in/gbe8rmrm