![When Georgetown University students return to classes this fall, their campus will be home to six new solar installations, totaling 1.1 MW. Together, the panels will produce 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of power, enough to save the University $3 million over the next 20 years. These types of projects are becoming routine as the cost of solar drops and institutions see solar as a smart way to reduce their energy costs. What sets this project apart from others is that it will serve to benefit more than just the University. The project came together with the help of Root + Branch, a certified benefit corporation. The company works to support projects that create what it calls ‘shared value’. Specifically, it works to harness the market in a way to benefit neighborhoods facing gentrification. “It’s clear that [solar project] developers have multiple streams of revenue, the sale of power and SRECs (solar renewable energy credits),” said Laura Recchie, Root + Branch President. “We looked at that and asked how do we create winners from that?” Root + Branch answered the question by creating a “community investment fund” using a portion of the sale of the SRECs the system will generate. SRECs represent the “green” value of the electricity generated from solar and can be sold on a market like a stock in a company. Utilities buy SRECs to comply with renewable energy goals set by the states where they operate. SRECs offer an additional revenue stream to help renewable energy pay for itself. The fund is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars. This money will be used for creating low-income access to solar. Recchie said Root + Branch will be working with Georgetown faculty and students to determine how the funds are distributed. “D.C.’s solar-friendly policies are one of the main reasons we were able to attract a developer to work with us,” Recchie said. ‘The project I am describing would not be able to be done elsewhere.” This is due to the District’s strong market for SRECs. Last year, solar advocates successfully pushed for an expansion to D.C.’s renewable portfolio standard, 50% by 2032. To meet this goal, the legislation maintains aggressive alternative compliance payments. This will in turn maintain a strong demand for D.C. SRECs. This RPS expansion does not happen without solar advocates in D.C. continuing to push for strong solar policies. The Georgetown University project is a real-world example of the impact a committed community of solar activists can make.](https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Students-at-2009-Solar-Decathalon-e1510881954137.jpg "2009 Solar Decathlon")
DC Solar & EV Co-op Info Session#1
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home or small business. We'll take you through technology, economics, financing, and more. You'll also learn about the solar co-op we launched. The co-op is free to join and members are *not* obligated to buy solar panels. Co-op members get: • a free review of your […]
Westminster (Adams County) Solar Co-op info session & trivia night
Westminster residents: Join us in the Green Room at Kokopelli Beer Company for a solar info session and trivia! var exampleCallback = function() { console.log('Order complete!'); }; window.EBWidgets.createWidget({ // Required […]
Solar Owners With Net Metering: How to Read Your Solar Bill
As a solar owner, your electric bill looks a little different than before. You now produce power in addition to consuming it, and earn credits for the electricity you share […]
Shenandoah, Ready, Set Solar Info Session#1
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home or small business. We'll take you through technology, economics, financing, and more. You'll also learn about the Ready, Set, Solar group we launched. The group is free to join and members are *not* obligated to buy solar panels. Members get: • a free review of your […]
Net Metering in Florida: The Veto Victory & What’s Next for Solar Advocates
Together, we win! Join us for this interactive webinar to celebrate the Governor's veto of solar net metering legislation (HB 741). We'll also share ways to continue the fight for energy freedom in Florida and how solar can help protect consumers from rising utility bills.
Iron Range Solar Co-op info session
Learn about solar energy and how our nonprofit co-op model simplifies the process of going solar on your home or small business from the comfort of your own home. This will be a live presentation so you'll be able to ask questions.
Maryland Co-op Info Session#3
This is the third of the five Info Sessions we will be hosting for folks in Maryland, and an opportunity to join and learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. We'll take you through technology, economics, financing, and more. You'll also learn about the solar co-op we launched. The […]
Miami Solar Open House
See solar close up, ask questions about how solar works, learn why homes in your community are going solar, and connect with your neighbors. There will be one open house on June 18th and two open houses on June 25th. Locations and time details will be sent to RSVPs. The solar open house on June […]
Allegheny SolarFest
Hazelwood Green 4501 Lytle Street, Pittsburgh, PA, United StatesAllegheny SolarFest is a fun, festive outdoor celebration of all things solar, full of music, great food, and lots of solar! Join us to learn about solar, connect with solar installers and related businesses, and check out the latest electric vehicle models! About this event Presenting, Allegheny SolarFest, 2022. This years event will take place […]
Meeker Solar Social
Smoking River Brewing Comapny 101 E Market St., Meeker, CO, United StatesLearn about solar power, the Northwest Solar Co-op, and what going solar may mean for you! Stop by Smoking River Brewing Company to view a brief presentation on solar and […]
VA Solar Action Team Meeting
Join fellow solar supporters throughout the state! We gather every third Tuesday of the month to discuss solar in Virginia and how we can take action to support pro-solar initiatives. […]
Gathering at the Public Service Commission Public Hearing
Ohio County Courthouse 1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV, United StatesThe Public Service Commission is going to decide if your electric bill will go up over 10% - they need to hear from you! If they approve the current APCo proposal, your rates are going to rise, again. The monthly bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours/month would rise nearly 12% —The average West […]