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Solar Incentives Support US Energy Goals

Solar panel installation

Brydon Ross, Vice President of State Affairs, was featured in Real Clear Energy discussing CEA’s most recent solar energy report.

Many state lawmakers and utility commissions nationwide are reexamining their current regulatory frameworks accordingly. CEA has a new analysis that quantifies incentives in 25 states to help policymakers make informed decisions about what works best. We concluded that while incentive structures vary significantly across the country, owners in all but five of the states studied received at least 75 percent of their solar system costs back from financial incentives under a standard rate structure. On average, residential solar PV systems received between 104 percent and 140 percent of the system costs back in incentives. By comparison, utility-scale solar installations only received about 45 percent of total system costs in incentives.

Read more – Real Clear Energy

Michigan State Officials Attend CEA’s “Fueling Michigan’s Future” Forum

MARYSVILLE, MI – State Representative Dan Lauwers, Michigan’s House Majority Floor Leader, and State Senator David Knezek, Michigan’s Senate Minority Caucus Chair, were joined by business leaders, labor leaders, policymakers and academia today in St. Clair County to discuss the need for bipartisan and sensible energy solutions for Michigan that includes the growth of all resources and the expansion of its pipeline infrastructure. Speakers discussed an array of hot-button energy issues and the importance of local development to the economy, job creation and Michigan’s competitiveness at today’s forum hosted by Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) at Alexander’s Banquet Facility in Marysville.

The event brought together the following business and labor leaders to share their perspectives on energy policy in the context of jobs, the economy, the environment and U.S. competitiveness:

  • Justin Morren, Director of North Area Plants – DTE
  • Peter Holran, ‎ Director, State Government Relations – Enbridge
  • Lynn Coleman, Director of the Michigan Laborers Training and Apprenticeship Institute (MLTAI)
  • Bruno Vanzieleghem, Assistant Director of Operations – University of Michigan Energy Institute
  • Dan Casey, Executive Director, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County
  • Brydon Ross, Vice President of State Affairs – Consumer Energy Alliance.
  • Walt Dindoffer, Development Solutions Midwest

Per attendees, expanding the region’s energy infrastructure is a must-do for Michigan. State Representative Dan Lauwers said that “Investments in energy infrastructure aren’t just about providing electricity and natural gas to homes, it’s also about making sure our community is ready for the 21st century. We’re looking forward to DTE’s new natural gas plant and the positive impact it is going to have on our local economy.”

State Senator David Knezek echoed similar sentiments by stating, “At the end of the day, when we invest in Michigan’s infrastructure system, we are investing in ourselves. We are investing in our future. Most importantly, these investments create family-supporting jobs for the men and women of Michigan’s union skilled trades.”

Speaking to the importance of good-paying jobs for Michigan’s families to the region, Dan Casey, Executive Director, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, stated, “St. Clair County produces roughly one-third of all the energy in Metro Detroit, and we’re proud of that figure because it means good-paying jobs for residents. At the end of the day, the EDA’s mission is to create a vibrant local economy, and the upcoming energy infrastructure work does just that for your community.”

Lynn Coleman, Director, MLTAI, agreed with the importance of jobs and the appropriate training to ensure the future of Michigan’s energy infrastructure.

“The Michigan Laborers’ Training & Apprenticeship Institute makes sure our state’s skilled trade workers have the expertise to build safe and reliable energy infrastructure,” Coleman said. “We know that the public has high expectations when it comes to our energy infrastructure. That’s why we’re committed to making safety the most important aspect of our training programs.”

Peter Holran, ‎Director of State Government Relations for Enbridge, discussed how Enbridge has been invested in St. Clair County for decades. “Enbridge is pleased to provide the infrastructure that delivers the energy resources that are processed into the many energy forms that keep Michigan’s families, businesses and economy moving forward,” he said. “Operating in Michigan and the region for more than 65 years, we remain committed to keeping the region’s communities and environment safe and protected while delivering the energy that matters every day.”

Chris Ventura, CEA’s Midwest Director, said he hopes voters remember the importance of energy infrastructure and jobs when they head to the polls next fall.

“Energy issues are critical to our region’s future, and we look forward to implementing our goals of improving energy infrastructure, ensuring energy independence and diversity and increasing access to more affordable, reliable energy,” he said. “This will help lower energy costs for families and small businesses across Michigan and provide stronger opportunities for manufacturers and businesses to create jobs.”

Speaking to the importance of providing reliable energy to the region, Justin Morren, with DTE, stated, “At DTE, we’re committed to providing cleaner, affordable and reliable energy for our 2.2 million customers, now and into the future. We are also committed to reducing carbon emissions by more than 80 percent by 2050 by replacing coal-fired generation with cleaner sources of energy like 24/7 natural gas and renewables like wind and solar power. St. Clair County is an important part of our plans and we look forward to continuing to build our relationship with this community for generations to come.”

Echoing DTE’s comments about the importance of providing clean energy, Bruno Vanzielegham, with the University of Michigan Energy Institute, stated, “New energy storage technologies will be transformative for both transportation and the grid, and the two will be closely connected in the future. Electric vehicles offer the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if they are powered by clean and renewable electricity. High penetration of renewable electricity becomes much more feasible with energy storage as an integral part of the future grid.”

Brydon Ross, CEA’s Vice President of State Affairs dovetailed the conversation in regards to the state’s percentage of energy technologies and what’s being done to grow them effectively saying, “As solar continues to grow nationally and here in Michigan, it was a pleasure to talk to this well-rounded panel about the technological, business, and efficiency opportunities that come with the expansion of solar energy. The timing of the forum and CEA’s latest solar report helps to provide guidance and a better understanding of the current landscape of solar energy and electricity so policymakers can make more informed decisions about these ever-changing industries and their effects on families and businesses across Michigan.”

Walt Dindoffer with Development Solutions Midwest added to the discussion about the importance of energy to manufacturing. He stated, “Manufacturers use an enormous amount of energy to produce the goods that we use every day. I’ve worked with SEMCO Energy and local manufacturers to show them simple things that can increase their energy savings. It’s great to work with companies like SEMCO because they see benefits of energy efficiency and how it can help manufacturers prepare for future investments.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

More Energy Investment Headed to St. Clair County

CEA recently hosted the Fueling Michigan’s Future forum in St. Clair County, Michigan to discuss the importance of energy infrastructure and energy efficiency for families, farmers, and businesses in the region.

“Energy generation and distribution is really a significant part of our economy,” Casey said. “We will continue to be the energy hub for the Midwest due to the projects coming into our area.”

Read more – The Times Herald

Support Lower Gas Prices for American Families

A girl with her Labrador getting ready for vacation

Do you remember how much it cost you to fill up your gas tank over July 4 week or even over the last week?

Nationally and regionally, gas prices are topping $3 per gallon, making hard-working Americans re-evaluate their driving habits, gas budgets, and now, what airline fares they can afford with tickets climbing as fuel costs rise.

No parent should have to choose between putting food on the table, keeping the lights on, or filling up their gas tanks.

Add your name to support expanding offshore energy access to create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs for hard-working Americans.

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CEA 2018 Solar Report Finds Incentives Contributed Significantly to Solar Power Expansion in Nevada

Las Vegas at Night Nevada

CARSON CITY, NV– As part of Consumer Energy Alliance’s (CEA) Solar Energy Future campaign, the organization today released a 2018 update to its 2016 report, “Incentivizing Solar Energy: An In-Depth Analysis of U.S. Solar Incentives.” CEA recently commissioned ScottMadden Inc. for this update to provide a comprehensive review and quantification of solar incentives for consumers across multiple states that have greatly contributed to the expansion of solar power across the country.

As part of its “all-of-the-above” approach to meeting our nation’s growing energy needs, CEA strongly supports the expanded use of solar power nationally and in Nevada. The consumer group believes that diversifying our energy portfolio and improving options for families and small businesses, will help further reduce energy prices, lower emissions, and enhance our nation’s energy security.

The new report analyzes the cost of a typical solar facility in Nevada and 24 states and details the federal, state and local incentives available for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV). It found that:

  1. Existing incentives for residential PV are significant – In all but five states, direct owners receive at least 75% of total system costs in total incentives under a standard rate structure.
  2. Utility-scale solar installations are less expensive to install and are incentivized at lower rates per watt than rooftop solar PV systems.  Residential solar PV systems receive, on average, between 104% and 140% of total system costs in incentives. Utility-scale solar installations only receive about 45% of total system costs in incentives.
  3. Third-party-owned solar PV owners receive the most significant incentives. In contrast to direct-owned solar, third-party solar owners are able to generate additional tax benefits through accelerated depreciation.
  4. Solar PV installation may shift costs to other customers. Net metering programs pay residential PV solar customers full retail rates for their excess electricity production. CEA is concerned this may shift fixed utility infrastructure costs onto non-solar and less affluent customers.
  5. Incentives for residential solar PV vary widely among the states. In Nevada:
    1. A single 6,100-watt direct owned rooftop system in Nevada receives $15,103 in taxpayer and net metering incentives, or about $2.33 in incentives per watt, representing 77% of the actual cost of the system.
    2. A single 6,100-watt third-party owned rooftop solar system in Nevada receives $18,156 in taxpayer and net metering incentives, or about $2.83 in incentives per watt, representing 109% of the actual cost of the system.

As solar technology continues to reshape modern electricity generation, the number of solar systems in the U.S. has grown rapidly. The 2018 analysis found that in order to accelerate the installation of PV systems, local, state and federal governments have provided several incentive programs for rooftop solar owners. In many states, total incentives are much greater than a solar system’s total costs.

The combination of these incentives – along with the substantial declining cost of installing PV systems over the past several years – has led to significant increases in the use of rooftop PV systems across the country. As a result, many states are re-examining the scope and methods surrounding their incentive programs and are now considering programs that rely more on a competitive marketplace to provide the economically optimal levels of rooftop solar adoption.

“Solar energy is an important and growing part of America’s diverse energy mix. We strongly support solar’s growth across the country and we want to ensure that our nation’s solar policies continue to keep pace with the dynamic changes taking place in today’s markets so that its continued growth is assured,” said Brydon Ross, Vice President of State Affairs for CEA. “Solar brings with it tremendous benefits for all consumers – including those in Nevada.”

Ross added: “Because of the rapid transformations in both the economics of solar PV systems and the policy dialogue over solar incentives in the states, we hope that CEA’s updated analysis will help policymakers in Nevada by quantifying current incentives provided for solar PV systems. By supporting pro-solar, pro-grid and pro-consumer policies, CEA hopes to continue to ensure the proliferation of solar technology, the efficiency of a robust electric grid and increased access to clean, renewable, affordable and reliable energy sources, for all American consumers.”

In addition to Nevada, the report analyzed incentives for solar across 24 selected states, including: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. These states were selected to capture diversity in location, state incentive policies, retail tariff designs and wholesale electricity prices.

To review the full results of this analysis and a copy of the report, please click here.

To read the executive summary, please click here.

For more on Nevada, please click here.

###

About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

 

New 2018 Solar Energy Report; Finds Incentives Contributed Significantly to Solar Power Expansion in New Hampshire

Manchester, New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH – As part of Consumer Energy Alliance’s (CEA) Solar Energy Future campaign, the organization today released a 2018 update to its 2016 report, “Incentivizing Solar Energy: An In-Depth Analysis of U.S. Solar Incentives.” CEA recently commissioned ScottMadden Inc. for this update to provide a comprehensive review and quantification of solar incentives for consumers across multiple states that have greatly contributed to the expansion of solar power across the country.

As part of its “all-of-the-above” approach to meeting our nation’s growing energy needs, CEA strongly supports the expanded use of solar power nationally and in New Hampshire. The consumer group believes that diversifying our energy portfolio and improving options for families and small businesses, will help further reduce energy prices, lower emissions, and enhance our nation’s energy security.
htt
The new report analyzes the cost of a typical solar facility in New Hampshire and 24 states and details the federal, state and local incentives available for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV). It found that:

  1. Existing incentives for residential PV are significant – In all but five states, direct owners receive at least 75% of total system costs in total incentives under a standard rate structure.
  2. Utility-scale solar installations are less expensive to install and are incentivized at lower rates per watt than rooftop solar PV systems.  Residential solar PV systems receive, on average, between 104% and 140% of total system costs in incentives. Utility-scale solar installations only receive about 45% of total system costs in incentives.
  3. Third-party-owned solar PV owners receive the most significant incentives. In contrast to direct-owned solar, third-party solar owners are able to generate additional tax benefits through accelerated depreciation.
  4. Solar PV installation may shift costs to other customers. Net metering programs, pay residential PV solar customers full retail rates for their excess electricity production. CEA is concerned this may shift fixed utility infrastructure costs onto non-solar and less affluent customers.
  5. Incentives for residential solar PV vary widely among the states. In New Hampshire:
    1. A single 6,100-watt direct owned rooftop system in New Hampshire receives $23,254 in taxpayer and net metering incentives, or about $3.81 in incentives per watt, representing 118% of the actual cost of the system.
    2. A single 6,100-watt third-party owned rooftop solar system in New Hampshire receives $24,741 in taxpayer and net metering incentives, or about $4.06 in incentives per watt, representing 148% of the actual cost of the system.

As solar technology continues to reshape modern electricity generation, the number of solar systems in the U.S. has grown rapidly. The 2018 analysis found that in order to accelerate the installation of PV systems, local, state and federal governments have provided several incentive programs for rooftop solar owners. In many states, total incentives are much greater than a solar system’s total costs.

The combination of these incentives – along with the substantial declining cost of installing PV systems over the past several years – has led to significant increases in the use of rooftop PV systems across the country. As a result, many states are re-examining the scope and methods surrounding their incentive programs and are now considering programs that rely more on a competitive marketplace to provide the economically optimal levels of rooftop solar adoption.

“Solar energy is an important and growing part of America’s diverse energy mix. We strongly support solar’s growth across the country and we want to ensure that our nation’s solar policies continue to keep pace with the dynamic changes taking place in today’s markets so that its continued growth is assured,” said Brydon Ross, Vice President of State Affairs for CEA. “Solar brings with it tremendous benefits for all consumers – including those in New Hampshire.”

Ross added: “Because of the rapid transformations in both the economics of solar PV systems and the policy dialogue over solar incentives in the states, we hope that CEA’s updated analysis will help policymakers in New Hampshire by quantifying current incentives provided for solar PV systems. By supporting pro-solar, pro-grid and pro-consumer policies, CEA hopes to continue to ensure the proliferation of solar technology, the efficiency of a robust electric grid and increased access to clean, renewable, affordable and reliable energy sources, for all American consumers.”

In addition to New Hampshire, the report analyzed incentives for solar across 24 selected states, including: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. These states were selected to capture diversity in location, state incentive policies, retail tariff designs and wholesale electricity prices.

To review the full results of this analysis and a copy of the report, please click here.

To read the executive summary, please click here.

For more on New Hampshire click here.

###

About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

New 2018 Solar Energy Report; Finds Incentives Contributed Significantly to Solar Power Expansion in Florida

Community houses with palms, South Florida

TALLAHASSEE, FL – As part of Consumer Energy Alliance’s (CEA) Solar Energy Future campaign, the organization today released a 2018 update to its 2016 report, “Incentivizing Solar Energy: An In-Depth Analysis of U.S. Solar Incentives.” CEA recently commissioned ScottMadden Inc. for this update to provide a comprehensive review and quantification of solar incentives for consumers across multiple states that have greatly contributed to the expansion of solar power across the country.

As part of its “all-of-the-above” approach to meeting our nation’s growing energy needs, CEA strongly supports the expanded use of solar power nationally and in Florida. The consumer group believes that diversifying our energy portfolio and improving options for families and small businesses, will help further reduce energy prices, lower emissions, and enhance our nation’s energy security.

The new report analyzes the cost of a typical solar facility in Florida and 24 states and details the federal, state and local incentives available for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV). It found that:

  1. Existing incentives for residential PV are significant – In all but five states, direct owners receive at least 75% of total system costs in total incentives under a standard rate structure.
  2. Utility-scale solar installations are less expensive to install and are incentivized at lower rates per watt than rooftop solar PV systems.  Residential solar PV systems receive, on average, between 104% and 140% of total system costs in incentives. Utility-scale solar installations only receive about 45% of total system costs in incentives.
  3. Third-party-owned solar PV owners receive the most significant incentives. In contrast to direct-owned solar, third-party solar owners are able to generate additional tax benefits through accelerated depreciation.
  4. Solar PV installation may shift costs to other customers. Net metering programs pay residential PV solar customers full retail rates for their excess electricity production. CEA is concerned this may shift fixed utility infrastructure costs onto non-solar and less affluent customers.
  5. Incentives for residential solar PV vary widely among the states. In Florida:
    1. A single 6,100-watt direct owned rooftop system in Florida receives $12,848 in taxpayer and net metering incentives, or about $2.11 in incentives per watt, representing 65% of the actual cost of the system.
    2. A single 6,100-watt third-party owned rooftop solar system in Florida receives $16,500 in taxpayer and net metering incentives, or about $2.70 in incentives per watt, representing 99% of the actual cost of the system.

As solar technology continues to reshape modern electricity generation, the number of solar systems in the U.S. has grown rapidly. The 2018 analysis found that in order to accelerate the installation of PV systems, local, state and federal governments have provided several incentive programs for rooftop solar owners. In many states, total incentives are much greater than a solar system’s total costs.

The combination of these incentives – along with the substantial declining cost of installing PV systems over the past several years – has led to significant increases in the use of rooftop PV systems across the country. As a result, many states are re-examining the scope and methods surrounding their incentive programs and are now considering programs that rely more on a competitive marketplace to provide the economically optimal levels of rooftop solar adoption.

“Solar energy is an important and growing part of America’s diverse energy mix. We strongly support solar’s growth across the country and we want to ensure that our nation’s solar policies continue to keep pace with the dynamic changes taking place in today’s markets so that its continued growth is assured,” said Brydon Ross, Vice President of State Affairs for CEA. “Solar brings with it tremendous benefits for all consumers – including those in Florida.”

Ross added: “Because of the rapid transformations in both the economics of solar PV systems and the policy dialogue over solar incentives in the states, we hope that CEA’s updated analysis will help policymakers in Florida by quantifying current incentives provided for solar PV systems. By supporting pro-solar, pro-grid and pro-consumer policies, CEA hopes to continue to ensure the proliferation of solar technology, the efficiency of a robust electric grid and increased access to clean, renewable, affordable and reliable energy sources, for all American consumers.”

In addition to Florida, the report analyzed incentives for solar across 24 selected states, including: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. These states were selected to capture diversity in location, state incentive policies, retail tariff designs and wholesale electricity prices.

To review the full results of this analysis and a copy of the report, please click here.

To read the executive summary, please click here.

For more on Florida click here.

###

About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

New 2018 Solar Energy Report; Finds Incentives Contributed Significantly to Solar Power Expansion in Arizona

Phoenix Arizona Skyline

PHOENIX, AZ – As part of Consumer Energy Alliance’s (CEA) Solar Energy Future campaign, the organization today released a 2018 update to its 2016 report, “Incentivizing Solar Energy: An In-Depth Analysis of U.S. Solar Incentives.” CEA recently commissioned ScottMadden Inc. for this update to provide a comprehensive review and quantification of solar incentives for consumers across multiple states that have greatly contributed to the expansion of solar power across the country.

As part of its “all-of-the-above” approach to meeting our nation’s growing energy needs, CEA strongly supports the expanded use of solar power nationally and in Arizona. The consumer group believes that diversifying our energy portfolio and improving options for families and small businesses, will help further reduce energy prices, lower emissions, and enhance our nation’s energy security.

The new report analyzes the cost of a typical solar facility in Arizona and 24 states and details the federal, state and local incentives available for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV). It found that:

  1. Existing incentives for residential PV are significant – In all but five states, direct owners receive at least 75% of total system costs in total incentives under a standard rate structure.
  2. Utility-scale solar installations are less expensive to install and are incentivized at lower rates per watt than rooftop solar PV systems.  Residential solar PV systems receive, on average, between 104% and 140% of total system costs in incentives. Utility-scale solar installations only receive about 45% of total system costs in incentives.
  3. Third-party-owned solar PV owners receive the most significant incentives. In contrast to direct-owned solar, third-party solar owners are able to generate additional tax benefits through accelerated depreciation.
  4. Solar PV installation may shift costs to other customers. Net metering programs pay residential PV solar customers full retail rates for their excess electricity production. CEA is concerned this may shift fixed utility infrastructure costs onto non-solar and less affluent customers.
  5. Incentives for residential solar PV vary widely among the states. In Arizona:
    1. A single 6,100-watt direct owned rooftop system in Arizona receives $24,717 in taxpayer and net metering incentives, or about $4.05 in incentives per watt, representing 125% of the actual cost of the system.
    2. A single 6,100-watt third-party owned rooftop solar system in Arizona receives $27,412 in taxpayer and net metering incentives, or about $4.49 in incentives per watt, representing 164% of the actual cost of the system.

As solar technology continues to reshape modern electricity generation, the number of solar systems in the U.S. has grown rapidly. The 2018 analysis found that in order to accelerate the installation of PV systems, local, state and federal governments have provided several incentive programs for rooftop solar owners. In many states, total incentives are much greater than a solar system’s total costs.

The combination of these incentives – along with the substantial declining cost of installing PV systems over the past several years – has led to significant increases in the use of rooftop PV systems across the country. As a result, many states are re-examining the scope and methods surrounding their incentive programs and are now considering programs that rely more on a competitive marketplace to provide the economically optimal levels of rooftop solar adoption.

“Solar energy is an important and growing part of America’s diverse energy mix. We strongly support solar’s growth across the country and we want to ensure that our nation’s solar policies continue to keep pace with the dynamic changes taking place in today’s markets so that its continued growth is assured,” said Brydon Ross, Vice President of State Affairs for CEA. “Solar brings with it tremendous benefits for all consumers – including those in Arizona.”

Ross added: “Because of the rapid transformations in both the economics of solar PV systems and the policy dialogue over solar incentives in the states, we hope that CEA’s updated analysis will help policymakers in Arizona by quantifying current incentives provided for solar PV systems. By supporting pro-solar, pro-grid and pro-consumer policies, CEA hopes to continue to ensure the proliferation of solar technology, the efficiency of a robust electric grid and increased access to clean, renewable, affordable and reliable energy sources, for all American consumers.”

In addition to Arizona, the report analyzed incentives for solar across 24 selected states, including: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. These states were selected to capture diversity in location, state incentive policies, retail tariff designs and wholesale electricity prices.

To review the full results of this analysis and a copy of the report, please click here.

To read the executive summary, please click here.

To see more on Arizona click here.

###

About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

CEA Releases 2018 Solar Energy Report; Finds Incentives Contributed Significantly to Solar Power Expansion

Family walking dog

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of Consumer Energy Alliance’s (CEA) Solar Energy Future campaign, the organization today released a 2018 update to its 2016 report, “Incentivizing Solar Energy: An In-Depth Analysis of U.S. Solar Incentives.” CEA recently commissioned ScottMadden Inc. for this update to provide a comprehensive review and quantification of solar incentives for consumers across multiple states that have greatly contributed to the expansion of solar power across the country.

As part of its “all-of-the-above” approach to meeting our nation’s growing energy needs, CEA strongly supports the expanded use of solar power. The consumer group believes that diversifying our energy portfolio and improving options for families and small businesses, will help further reduce energy prices, lower emissions, and enhance our nation’s energy security.

The new report analyzes the cost of a typical solar facility in 25 states and details the federal, state and local incentives available for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV). It found that:

  1. Existing incentives for residential PV are significant – In all but five states, direct owners receive at least 75% of total system costs in total incentives under a standard rate structure.
  2. Utility-scale solar installations are less expensive to install and are incentivized at lower rates per watt than rooftop solar PV systems.  Residential solar PV systems receive, on average, between 104% and 140% of total system costs in incentives. Utility-scale solar installations only receive about 45% of total system costs in incentives.
  3. Third-party-owned solar PV owners receive the most significant incentives. In contrast to direct-owned solar, third-party solar owners are able to generate additional tax benefits through accelerated depreciation.
  4. Solar PV installation may shift costs to other customers. Net metering programs pay residential PV solar customers full retail rates for their excess electricity production. CEA is concerned this may shift fixed utility infrastructure costs onto non-solar and less affluent customers.
  5. Incentives for residential solar PV vary widely among the states.

As solar technology continues to reshape modern electricity generation, the number of solar systems in the U.S. has grown rapidly. The 2018 analysis found that in order to accelerate the installation of PV systems, local, state and federal governments have provided several incentive programs for rooftop solar owners. In many states, total incentives are much greater than a solar system’s total costs.

The combination of these incentives – along with the substantial declining cost of installing PV systems over the past several years – has led to significant increases in the use of rooftop PV systems across the country. As a result, many states are re-examining the scope and methods surrounding their incentive programs and are now considering programs that rely more on a competitive marketplace to provide the economically optimal levels of rooftop solar adoption.

“Solar energy is an important and growing part of America’s diverse energy mix. We strongly support solar’s growth across the country and we want to ensure that our nation’s solar policies continue to keep pace with the dynamic changes taking place in today’s markets so that its continued growth is assured,” said Brydon Ross, Vice President of State Affairs for CEA. “Solar brings with it tremendous benefits for all consumers.”

Ross added: “Because of the rapid transformations in both the economics of solar PV systems and the policy dialogue over solar incentives in the states, we hope that CEA’s updated analysis will help policymakers by quantifying current incentives provided for solar PV systems. By supporting pro-solar, pro-grid and pro-consumer policies, CEA hopes to continue to ensure the proliferation of solar technology, the efficiency of a robust electric grid and increased access to clean, renewable, affordable and reliable energy sources, for all American consumers.”

This analysis covers 25 selected states, including: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. These states were selected to capture diversity in location, state incentive policies, retail tariff designs and wholesale electricity prices.

To review the full results of this analysis and a copy of the report, please click here.

To read the executive summary, please click here.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

PUC: Line 3 Oil Pipeline Plan Is Necessary, Safest Option

Tractor mowing green field

Families. farmers, and businesses across Minnesota depend on the energy delivered by Line 3.  This week, staff at the Public Utilities Commission recognized the importance modernizing Line 3 is to the state.

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission staff say Enbridge Energy’s proposed Line 3 oil pipeline replacement should get the state’s approval, and that the company’s new route would have the least impact on the environment.

Read more – MPR News

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