Community SolarBringing Solar to the People
By Joe DeetsCommunity Solar Solutions, Inc.
January 13, 2014
• What is Community Solar?• Why do it?• Community Solar growth in WA• Challenges Experienced• Why keep doing it?• Q & A
24 Community solar participants
Solar Energy Project RE Production Incentives
COBICOBI PSE
Site- Lease Agreement
Net-metering Agreement
Project Administrator
Community Solar
Solutions(CSS)
Community Solar
Solutions(CSS)
• Community conversation initiated in 2005
• WA Community Solar bill passed into law in 2009
• Negotiation with local government ~ 24 months
• Financing: 6 months, 24 community members investors
• Total project size: 71kW at < $500K
• Installation: 3 weeks
Allows for a far greater number of people to go solar, by lowering multiple barriers:
• Poor site• Ownership issues• Time• Aesthetics• Financial barrier
2010201120122013Total
3 Projects8 Projects10 Projects3 Projects24 Projects
1,045+ participants!
131.2kW232.0 kW223.7kW 73.4 kW660.3 kW
From: WSU Energy Program
With just 24 projects, Community Solar has over 20% of the number of participants of residential and commercial installations in WA (5,030).
Solar to the People!
• The Legislation and its Rules • Securities laws compliance• IRS’ rules compliance• Unrealistic expectations
• Of hundreds of thousands of solar users in WA. • Who demand a more responsible energy policy, • leading to a cleaner environment, stronger
economy and more resilient communities.
Community Solar is a valuable tool to keep in WA’s solar toolbox.
Joe Deets, 206-855-4893, [email protected]
Thank you!