PACE. Many readers that have followed my career know that solving C&I solar has been a longtime problem I have wanted to fix. We, collectively as an industry, know that credit is the central problem that isn’t solved like the FICO score solves the problem in residential. That is why I am excited to be doing consulting work as an Advisor to CleanFund, the market leader of commercial PACE. Over the next few months, I’ll be back speaking to many of you about how we can all work together and fix this problem. C&I energy users represent almost 50% of the total energy consumption but when you look at the unrated commercial solar market, it’s basically zero. I see PACE doing for C&I solar what the loan did for residential. PACE isn’t what it was a few years ago, rates are competitive and the process is much more refined. More to come on this.
New Podcast. This is a reverse interview with the audience at SolarWakeup Live asking the questions. Sound from the questioners is a bit low but I hope you enjoy to hear some of the thoughts. I’ll be doing this at future events as well to make sure the folks in the room get some feedback on the current issues being debated.
Wave Elections. I talk about politicizing the issue of solar at every chance I get. Tom Steyer is apparently taking advantage of the anticipated wave election in 2018 to put renewable energy as an issue on the ballot in several States. The legislative strategy is sound, partnering with some solar trade groups to message it appropriately would be a good additional improvement also. Look at this space.
State Politics. Interesting that the VA house in a monopoly reform bill which originally passed 55-41 was put up for a revote and was essentially unanimous. I’d be curious to understand the politics of that move except to cover the few that went with the democrats on the initial vote. Let’s see how this works in other States.
Corporate PPAs. Always interesting to get more detail on how the corporate PPAs are actually structured. Mostly they are some version of contract for differences (CFDs) but this explains in greater detail on how to do this and what the financial value proposition is.
South Florida. Since many of you have asked, I will answer in aggregate. The awful shooting in Florida yesterday is close to my home but fortunately my kids are not in this school. It is sickening however and it makes any parent wonder what options they may have to keep their kids safe. I appreciate everyone’s concern.
- SolarWakeup Podcast: Reverse Q&A With Yann Brandt, Live From SolarWakeup Live! New York
- Think Progress: Ballot box battle over clean energy is brewing in three states
- Utility Dive: Democrats deal Dominion a blow in debate over Virginia utility reform
- GreenBiz: Salesforce, Cargill and others share secrets for buying clean power
- PV-Tech: Shunfeng to post further losses in 2017
- Reuters: In Trump’s first year, U.S. agency doubles solar investments abroad
- Grist: Roses are red, violets are blue, America to coal – I might dump you.
- Philadelphia Inquirer: The outlook is sunny for solar jobs in Pennsylvania
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann