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Community Solar Bringing Solar to the People. By Joe Deets Community Solar Solutions, Inc. January 13, 2014. Outline. What is Community Solar? Why do it? Community Solar growth in WA Challenges Experienced Why keep doing it? Q & A. Bainbridge CS Diagram. Project Administrator.
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Community SolarBringing Solar to the People By Joe Deets Community Solar Solutions, Inc. January 13, 2014
Outline • What is Community Solar? • Why do it? • Community Solar growth in WA • Challenges Experienced • Why keep doing it? • Q & A
Bainbridge CS Diagram Project Administrator 24 Community solar participants Community Solar Solutions (CSS) Site- Lease Agreement RE Production Incentives Solar Energy Project COBI PSE Net-metering Agreement
Bainbridge CS Fast Facts • 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
Why Do Community Solar? Allows for a far greater number of people to go solar, by lowering multiple barriers: • Poor site • Ownership issues • Time • Aesthetics • Financial barrier
Why It Matters 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!
Challenges Experienced • The Legislation and its Rules • Securities laws compliance • IRS’ rules compliance • Unrealistic expectations
Imagine a Scenario… • 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, jwdeets@cenergysolutions.org Thank you!