Author: Curtis E. Ogara

Having the right partners can make a difference when developing community solar business models that benefit subscribers and community members. The large team behind community solar at Queensbridge Houses, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), worked together to overcome many challenges and achieve an important goal: equitable access to community solar. NYCHA’s mission aims to […]

It’s possible to build community support for solar energy by getting a little exposure. This is a lesson that the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative learned recently. OEC is a U.S. Department of Energy’s National Community Solar Partnership member. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy invited the central Oklahoma electric utility to take part in a pilot solar […]

People Power Solar Cooperative is leading an effort in Oakland, California, to demonstrate community-owned solar’s feasibility and meaningful benefits. This type of community solar allows residents to own a system of solar energy collectively. These member-owners invest directly in solar projects and earn money while it sells power. This solar system is a way for the […]

Solar Landscape, a leading New Jersey solar developer, faced a significant market challenge when it ventured into community solar. It took a lot of time and resources to acquire and manage community solar subscribers, especially those from low- or moderate-income households. They kept up and took the time to learn about the communities where they […]

You’ve probably heard the term “resilience” used in the energy sector regarding electricity and power. The Energy Department defines resilience as a power system that can adapt quickly to changing conditions and recover quickly from disruptions. The resilience of the grid can be increased by solar energy. Distributed solar energy systems, such as community solar […]

Solar permitting can be a significant bottleneck in residential solar installations, increasing the time it takes to adopt and sometimes even months. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in collaboration with local governments, building codes organizations, permitting software providers, and industry partners, developed an online platform called SunAPP+. SolarAPP+ makes it easy for homeowners to get […]

Solar installers are one of the most rapidly growing occupations in the country due to the rapid pace of solar energy installation. Nearly 90% reported difficulties hiring in 2021. They cited a lack of training or experience as the main reason. Colleges are needed to provide students with training, work experience, and other opportunities in solar energy. […]

Millions of Americans have decided to use solar energy to power their homes, significantly as the cost has dropped. But an investment in solar produces more than just clean electricity. It can help households save money, increase energy independence, improve grid resilience and security, and make the planet safer. The Connect, the U.S. Department of Energy […]

The topic of solar energy for residential use is hot. In the last few years, the amount of solar connected to the electric grid has increased exponentially. There are nearly 4 million households in America that have solar power. This renewable energy source makes the electric grid more reliable and helps solar homeowners save money […]

The federal government offers free solar panels. It could be a scam for consumers. Millions of Americans have decided to use solar energy to power their homes and enjoy the many benefits it offers, such as cost-savings on their electricity bills over the system’s life. Bad actors are using fraudulent business practices and spreading misinformation […]