GPP Webinar: An Introduction to Community Solar Programs
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
1:00 pm-2:00 PM EST
This webinar examined the community solar model, also known as shared solar and community solar gardens. Community solar is an emerging model allowing customers to buy, lease, or subscribe to a portion of a shared solar system that is located away from their home or business.
The webinar featured in-depth case studies of two community solar programs: Pacific Gas & Electric's new Solar Choice program and Boardman Hill Solar Farm, which is a community-owned solar array in Vermont. NREL provided an overview of the growth and trends of community solar in the United States and address contractual/financial considerations for these types of projects. The webinar reviewed:
- The emergence of community solar
- The various models, including utility sponsored, special purpose entity, and nonprofit
- Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) and solar claims
Speakers & Presentations
- Christopher Kent, Program Manager, U.S. EPA's Green Power Partnership (pdf)
- Eric O'Shaughnessy, Renewable Energy Analyst, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (pdf)
- Karly Silicani, Product Manager, Green Power Programs at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (pdf)
- Roland Marx, Boardman Hill Solar Farm (pdf)