Supporting local governments in advancing transportation electrification is crucial for GPI’s efforts to drive equitable, data-driven solutions that reduce emissions and offer real community benefits. Continue reading »
First Communities in Michigan and Ohio Earn Charging Smart Designations
October 2, 2024 in Communities Authors: Muntaas Farah, Rebecca Heisel
GPI is thrilled to announce that Southfield, Michigan, and Dayton, Ohio, are the first cities in their states to earn designations as Charging Smart communities! These designations recognize these cities’ work to become ready for the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging equipment. Both Southfield and Dayton earned a Bronze designation. Continue reading »
Solar and Water Quality: Best Practices from the Groundbreaking PV-SMaRT Project
May 3, 2023 in Communities, Renewable Energy Author: Rebecca Heisel
The guide for stormwater best practices for solar farms developed for the groundbreaking Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project is now available. The best practices provide guidelines to communities, developers, and state and federal regulators on how solar development should be evaluated under the Clean Water Act. This guidance can resolve many uncertainties in the permitting process regarding stormwater management and surface water quality. Continue reading »
PV-SMaRT Solar Site Demonstrates National Implications for Stormwater Management: Medford, OR
August 2, 2022 in Communities Author: Rebecca Heisel
The third case study is now available from a groundbreaking project to establish the first science-based stormwater and water quality standards for solar farms. The Great Plains Institute is helping lead the Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project along with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Fresh Energy, and the University of Minnesota. PV-SMaRT is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology office. Continue reading »
PV-SMaRT Demonstrates Stormwater Benefits of Solar: Plains, GA
April 27, 2022 in Communities Author: Rebecca Heisel
Photo courtesy of Jill Stuckey
The second case study is now available from a groundbreaking project to establish the first science-based stormwater and water quality standards for solar farms. The Great Plains Institute is helping lead the Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project along with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Fresh Energy, and the University of Minnesota. PV-SMaRT is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology office. Continue reading »
Groundbreaking PV-SMaRT Project Publishes First Case Study: Ramsey, MN
March 21, 2022 in Communities Author: Rebecca Heisel
Photo courtesy of David Mulla
The first case study is now available from a groundbreaking project to establish the first science-based stormwater and water quality standards for solar farms. The Great Plains Institute is helping lead the Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project along with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Fresh Energy, and the University of Minnesota. PV-SMaRT is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology office. Continue reading »
Pairing Solar with Managed EV Charging for Distribution Grid Benefit
June 4, 2021 in Communities, Renewable Energy Authors: Brian Ross, Rebecca Heisel
As utilities and regulators anticipate increased electric vehicle (EV) adoption, they’re assessing how to prepare the electric distribution grid for the additional load. Recent work by the Great Plains Institute (GPI) points to the potential distribution grid benefits of pairing solar production with managed EV charging. Using a newly updated tool from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), GPI explored this value proposition by examining EV charging scenarios alongside solar production. Continue reading »
Consumer Reports Study Finds Electric Vehicle Maintenance Costs Are 50% Less Than Gas-Powered Cars
November 16, 2020 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Rebecca Heisel
A new study by Consumer Reports equips consumers with data showing the relatively lower cost of electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and overall ownership when compared to comparable gas-powered vehicles. Consumer Reports recently released a study analyzing EV ownership costs, including a chapter on their lifetime maintenance costs. The study looks at both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and helps answer frequently asked questions about EV maintenance and other costs.
