Update about blogCa

Friday, November 3, 2023

Community solar?

 A group found me, and knew that North Carolina had had a policy to allow people to have community solar systems. They also knew that the possibilities had been thwarted before any actions could be taken.

"Community solar is a powerful way to get the benefits of solar to people who don't have the resources or access to put solar on their roof. A community solar program allows individuals to collectively invest in and subscribe to a shared solar farm, which in turn provides them with clean, affordable electricity credits on their utility bills.

Back in the late 2010s, the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved a community solar program. But due to some of the program design decisions made at the time, and certain limiting  requirements of the legislation that approved it, the program had too many flaws for optimal functioning. 

 

Now, with the federal investment in solar from the Inflation Reduction Act and drastic economic improvements to solar, it's time for North Carolina to revisit community solar. 

 

Thank you for shining your light on our mission to bring clean, affordable solar energy to our state! Your insight and enthusiasm will make a much-needed impact. Let’s power up North Carolina with just, clean, and equitable energy – together."

 

Ownard, 

Jake Duncan + the Vote Solar Team

The Vote Solar Team was running a survey to see what I thought. I didn't take it. I hate surveys. They only are getting the answers they design it for, not those that the respondents might be thinking on their own. They are based in California. And of course I found them on FaceBook.

 Vote Solar

360 22nd St Suite 730
Oakland, CA 94613
United States

And what I really think is that our neighborhoods are too fluid to have neighbors invest in this long term commitment. It might work as part of a community organization, where dues would sure be pretty high, but then somehow the electrical fees or kick-backs might go through them. But it still would need individual meters because everyone has different needs. I don't see a feasible way to do it!

Today's quote:

Your very own inner wisdom should be valued more than any other and will always guide you in the direction you need to travel.






9 comments:

  1. I can't really see how that would work, you might just as well buy shares in solar power company.

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    1. Pretty vague on the implementation details. And I'm an imaginative person, but can't figure out any way for it to actually work.

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  2. Solar is a good idea, I wish they could find a reasonable way to make it happen. BTW, I wanted to mention I like your new header photo and the pretty plants. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, they were pretty plants. Now they've been hit by frost. But I did take some cuttings, so as soon as I pull the dead plant out of the planter, in the cuttings will go for the winter...inside of course.

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  3. ...solar farms are springing up all over the place here.

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    1. They are really economical in the long run. I'd even venture to guess better use of free power than wind...but I don't know if any studies has compared them.

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  4. We have a small community solar project here. There are only four households and solar panels on the roof of the dance studio. The local electric company just recognized us and now we get the credits off our electricity bills each month. They refunded us back to May though we have had the panels going since last winter. Progress!

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  5. My sister in Pittsburgh took advantage of a solar program that is offered in her area. I didn’t understand the details, but Pennsylvania has several special programs. https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/solar/Pages/Residents.aspx

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There is today, more than ever, the need for a compassionate regenerative world civilization.