As bone-chilling temperatures cause rolling blackouts in Texas, the need for policy support for solar + storage has never been more clearly on display. In our February e-newsletter, we examine state and federal policies that we believe will help push the solar + storage revolution forward in 2021. We also discuss how community solar is a perfect fit for rural areas, how one Minnesota city offset 100% of its electricity needs with solar energy, and the latest on our tax-equity partnership with Crestmark to fund community solar projects across the country.
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POLICY: STATE POLICIES SHAPING THE INDUSTRY
Concrete Policies That Could Build Solar + Storage Infrastructure Across The United States
Though legislative agendas are still being formed across the United States, indications are that renewable energy in general — and solar in particular — are going to be at the forefront of the debates we will be having in 2021. Remember that your advocacy can affect the way solar policy is made in your state, so be sure to get involved.
We provide a rundown of the federal and state policies we believe will help shape 2021 in our latest blog.
Maryland's Community Solar Program Is Natural Fit For Rural Areas
Maryland’s community solar pilot program — started in 2017 — is a natural fit for counties like Anne Arundel and Calvert with rural areas. A typical community solar project can deliver over $1 million in savings directly to its subscribers, and about $2 million in combined payments to the local county in taxes and lease payments to the site landowner.
“Often overlooked is that rural communities are quickly becoming some of the biggest beneficiaries of community solar farms,” said John Finnerty, Standard Solar. “Community solar is an economic engine available to rural Maryland communities, and it is even more valuable as the US economy emerges from the challenges posed by COVID-19.”
Minnesota City Offsets 100% Energy Costs With Solar
The City of Eden Prairie, MN is leading the way when it comes to its own sustainable future through solar arrays that will lower the city's overall carbon footprint and utility costs.
The power generated at the City Center, public works maintenance facility and water treatment plant, supplemented by off-site solar energy subscriptions, is allowing Eden Prairie’s municipal energy usage to be 100% solar-powered. We’re proud to be a lasting partner in helping this innovative city reap the benefits of solar.
Tax Equity Financing Partnership With Crestmark Adds 25 MW Of Community Solar To Our National Asset Portfolio
Expanding its growing portfolio, Standard Solar recently announced the financing and operation of 17 community solar projects in Minnesota and Massachusetts totaling 24.6 megawatts (MW). Tax equity financing for these projects was secured in a partnership with Crestmark, a division of MetaBank®, N.A.
Standard Solar recently joined the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) and the team is looking forward to partnering with this dynamic group to expand access to clean, local affordable energy nationwide through community solar.
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