From podcasts to the latest analysis, you can check out what we’re reading, listening to, and watching in this regular series (view previous GPI staff picks). Continue reading »
National and State Recognitions for Solar Possible Program
July 23, 2019 in Communities, News & Press Author: Gail Nosek
The collaborative Solar Possible program has earned both national and state recognitions for its unique cohort model that helps government entities overcome barriers to solar adoption. Continue reading »
Solar Energy & Agriculture: Pursuing Win-Win Opportunities
July 9, 2019 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Brian Ross
The largest solar farm proposal in the Midwest recently received approval from Wisconsin state regulators. Most of the 3,500-acre Badger Hollow Solar Farm project, which is being developed by Illinois-based Invenergy, is located on active farmland and will include up to 1.2 million solar panels on 2,200 acres of the project area. Some in the community saw the project as a staggering land use change in their community and contrary to the county’s farmland preservation plan. Significant local opposition to the project decried the use of prime agricultural land for solar production.
This case is emblematic of the dilemmas faced by the solar industry, utilities, and those working at the local, state, and federal levels to decarbonize the power sector and increase the use of local renewable energy. The Great Plains Institute is working to address these issues in ways that support solar development and agricultural protection goals. Continue reading »
Cities Go to Boot Camp to Overcome Barriers to Renewable Energy Adoption
June 18, 2019 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Gail Nosek
When it comes to communities taking action to accelerate sustainability, the peer cohort model is proven to be successful time and time again because it allows people to learn together and learn from each other. To build on that success, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) and the Clean Energy Resources Teams (CERTs) are creating a network of Minnesota cities focused on identifying and overcoming barriers to renewable energy procurement.
Continue reading »
Minneapolis Funds Clean Energy Projects for Businesses with a Focus on Green Zones
February 20, 2019 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
A recent expansion of Minneapolis’ Green Cost Share Program to solar energy projects, with a priority placed on those in Green Zones, has led to significant investments in solar projects in the city that will contribute to increased economic development and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Continue reading »
System Design for a High-Renewables Future: Insights from the MN Solar Pathways Analysis
January 14, 2019 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Brian Ross
If sunlight strikes a solar panel, but we don’t use the electricity generated, is it “wasted”? In some parts of the country, so much solar energy is produced at midday that there is no use for it. Demand for electricity has already been fully met by solar and other sources of generation; the value of additional electricity on the grid is actually negative. Continue reading »
“Smart” Charging Electric Vehicles with Solar at the Greenway Building
May 25, 2018 in Transportation & Fuels Authors: Dane McFarlane, Katelyn Bocklund, Matt Prorok
Electricity systems are increasingly becoming interactive and dynamic, opening up opportunities for energy technologies to “talk” to each other and create numerous benefits for energy consumers (e.g., increased efficiency, lower costs, and reduced emissions). This opportunity is one that GPI and our partners are exploring through the combination of electric vehicles (EVs) and solar energy.
Continue reading »
Power Couple: Combining Solar and Electric Vehicle Charging to Solve Dual Challenges
May 18, 2018 in Communities, Transportation & Fuels Author: Brian Ross
The modern electric grid often seems like a miracle. Thousands of generating sources, from residential solar power systems to huge power plants, kept in almost instantaneous sync with millions of electricity consumers. All with a reliability rate of better than 99 percent. Continue reading »
Report Documents First-Ever Collaborative Procurement of Solar Garden Subscriptions by Group of Local Governments
March 13, 2017 in Communities Author: Trevor Drake
Community solar programs are gaining increasing interest from electric utility customers across the nation. Unlike individual solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, community shared solar systems, also known as Solar Gardens, create an opportunity for multiple individuals and organizations to receive the benefit of a larger solar installation without requiring it to be located on-site. For local government entities, these benefits include supporting clean energy and its positive local economic impacts, saving on energy bills for public facilities, and hedging against the future price volatility of electricity. Continue reading »
How Duluth’s New Mapping Tool Helps Predict Solar Energy Potential
February 8, 2017 in Energy Systems Authors: Brian Ross, Dane McFarlane
The City of Duluth, Minnesota recently launched a new web-based solar energy mapping tool for its residents and businesses that will help lower the barriers to solar development in the city. The app, called “Duluth Shines,” helps users evaluate their rooftop’s solar potential and estimate the size and cost of a solar installation. The tool is generating new interest in solar opportunities and has received coverage in local and regional news. Continue reading »
