The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced two awardees for managing an expansion of the SolSmart program over five years to “increase solar deployment and expand access to clean energy.” The $10 million dollar award is shared by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the International City/County Management Association. 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 »
As we close out the end of 2021, you can find out what made GPI’s list of most-read stories from the year. Reflecting on these stories energizes us for what we can accomplish together with our many collaborators, partners, and colleagues as we head into the new year. Continue reading »
Stormwater Management in Solar Projects: Barriers and Best Practices
October 6, 2021 in Communities, Renewable Energy, Reports & Whitepapers Authors: Brian Ross, Briana Kerber
The site design of a solar project impacts whether a project will improve or negatively impact water quality. Yet solar developers regularly face inconsistent stormwater permitting requirements and standards that were not developed with solar in mind. This can lead to project delay, higher costs, and missed opportunities for environmental benefits. The Photovoltaic Stormwater Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project, funded by the US Department of Energy, was created to resolve these issues. Continue reading »
The True Land Footprint of Solar Energy
September 14, 2021 in Communities, Renewable Energy Authors: Jessi Wyatt, Maggie Kristian
Solar is a ubiquitous, economically-competitive energy resource across much of the United States. In communities with active solar development, there is often debate about how utility-scale solar might affect existing land uses or natural resources. GPI recently analyzed the potential land use impact of solar on agricultural communities in the continental US. Continue reading »
Photo courtesy of Jean Christoffels
Community-driven decision-making on land use is critical to the continued buildout of large-scale renewable energy. GPI recently piloted a process and design tool for communities to identify local solar development sites with multiple benefits. The pilot project involved residents of Murray County in southwest Minnesota who used community-informed geospatial analysis to help plan for solar development in the area. The project united community values like clean drinking water and agricultural preservation with future solar development. 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 »
Model Solar Ordinances Developed for Five Midwestern States
February 11, 2021 in Renewable Energy Author: Emma Parkson
Across the US, states, cities, corporations, and utilities are placing an increased focus on electrification of energy loads as a primary pathway to decarbonization and setting ambitious renewable energy and carbon-free energy targets. This transition will require a major expansion of renewable energy capacity. To help communities prepare for such large-scale development, GPI developed model solar ordinances for five Midwestern states in 2021. In 2024, we have revamped the Illinois model solar ordinance to align with the state’s new Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
ERI, GPI Release Model Solar Ordinance, Renewable Energy Guide to Facilitate Indiana Solar and Wind Development
December 21, 2020 in Energy Systems, News & Press, Renewable Energy Author: Brian Ross
Bloomington, Ind. (December 21, 2020)—As more Indiana utility companies, businesses, and property owners seek to take advantage of the benefits of renewable energy, local governments in Indiana are looking to make informed decisions about solar and wind energy proposals and future development.
