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This is a great thread. Additing a new Columbia report to the list: 33 Myths About Renewable Energy A new report debunks false and misleading claims found on social media.

not sure where to post this. "made in America" will be a growing issue in the upcoming 4 years. this book (white paper) just post out by InterSolar & Canary Media has a good overview and resources for anyone working in the supply chain space: Built in America: Transforming the U.S. Clean Energy Supply Chain

Excellent blog to check out: https://mcubedecon.com/

In case anyone is looking for a simple way to explain the flaws in the CPUC's Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC), here is a summary of a few key points about how the ACC does not fully capture the real value of solar energy and other renewable resources: 1. Underestimates Grid Value - Problem: The ACC tends to underestimate the value of solar in supporting grid reliability. Solar energy reduces the need for expensive fossil fuel plants, especially during peak demand hours (like hot summer afternoons), but the ACC doesn’t always account for how much solar helps reduce grid stress or how it can be paired with storage to provide power when it's needed most. - Why it matters: This leads to an undervaluation of solar's grid services, like providing backup power and avoiding blackouts. 2. Ignores Long-Term Savings - Problem: The calculator primarily focuses on short-term avoided costs, like the immediate cost of power generation and infrastructure. It doesn’t fully capture long-term savings from cleaner, more sustainable energy systems, which could reduce future costs related to climate change and pollution. - Why it matters: The failure to include long-term environmental and health benefits (such as cleaner air and avoided climate change impacts) means the ACC doesn't reflect the full value that solar brings to society. 3. Outdated Assumptions - Problem: The ACC uses static assumptions about energy prices, technological advancements, and market conditions. For example, it might not properly reflect the rapidly declining costs of solar panels and energy storage or the increasing value of decentralized power generation. - Why it matters: This means the ACC may underestimate how much solar power will cost in the future and how much it will help avoid the need for fossil fuels and new infrastructure. 4. Doesn’t Account for Non-Energy Benefits - Problem: The ACC mainly focuses on economic factors, like the cost of electricity generation, but it overlooks other important benefits of solar, such as job creation, health benefits from reduced pollution, and the economic development benefits of local, renewable energy. - Why it matters: By not factoring in these broader, non-energy benefits, the ACC doesn’t reflect the full societal value of solar energy. 5. Excludes Certain Grid Costs - Problem: The ACC may ignore or understate certain grid integration costs of renewables. While it accounts for some integration costs (like balancing supply and demand), it may not fully account for costs related to managing more intermittent renewables or how they interact with energy storage. - Why it matters: Solar's role in supporting the grid with smart technology or energy storage (which stores solar for later use) isn't always valued properly in the ACC. Conclusion: In simple terms, the Avoided Cost Calculator sometimes underestimates the true value of solar energy because it focuses too narrowly on short-term costs and doesn’t fully account for long-term benefits, grid support, and non-energy advantages like job creation and cleaner air. It also tends to use outdated assumptions that don’t reflect how rapidly solar technology is improving. This can lead to lower compensation for solar customers and missed opportunities to promote a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

For any communities looking for resources on developming a community solar or microgrid program, I recommend checking out NREL's C2C program. Their C2C program provides communities with expertise and tools to achieve clean energy goals across a range of technologies through the 3-month expert match offering and the multiyear in-depth partnership offering. Here's a recent announcement from them: https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/doe-welcomes-37-new-communities-peer-learning-cohorts-advance-local-energy-efforts

Have you ever wondered how to make a meaningful impact in your community? Did you know that you can get appointed to a state or local board or commission to help shape policy and contribute to the future of California? For people, in California, here's a way to get started: How to Apply for a Governor-Appointed Position Explore Available Positions: Visit the Governor's Appointments Index to view a list of open positions and find details on compensation (salaried, per diem, or non-compensated). Start Your Application: Visit the Governor's Appointments Application for detailed instructions on how to apply. How to Apply for a Speaker-Appointed Position Access Opportunities: Visit the Speaker's Appointment Page to explore available boards and commissions. Begin the Process: Start your application and find step-by-step guidance here. How to Apply for Senate President Pro Tempore-Appointed Positions Currently, there is no dedicated website for Senate appointments. For more information on available positions and how to apply, please contact the Senate Appointments Office at (916) 651-4151.

Absolutely agree! Distributed solar energy is a game-changer for both sustainability and saving money. With lower energy bills, reduced carbon footprint, and more control over our power, going solar is a smart move for everyone. #SolarEnergy #CleanEnergy #SustainableLiving

I'd put countering the false cost shift narrative as top of the list on this topic. I just shared on a different thread, but I'm sharing on this one too cuz the topic is so important. Check out the Solar Rights Alliance whitepaper for helpful talking points: New study shows how CA rooftop solar consumers save all ratepayers $2.3 billion

I like all of the lines. this is from Northern Germany. So many good photo ops for solar there, you've just got to be fast with the camera.

Smart move by Enphase—this is a game changer for homeowners trying to avoid the NEM 3.0 transition and keep their energy costs low. Expanding systems without hitting that new tariff is like finding a cheat code for the grid! For anyone else considering upgrades, it’s key to make sure your system is future-proof, especially if SDG&E comes on board. You don’t want to end up with extra panels but no real savings. Keep an eye on utility policies, and don't be afraid to consult a pro to ensure your system's optimized for the new configurations. #SolarHacks #NEM3.0 #Enphase #EnergyIndependence