Community SolarBringing Solar to the People

By Joe DeetsCommunity Solar Solutions, Inc.

January 13, 2014

• What is Community Solar?• Why do it?• Community Solar growth in WA• Challenges Experienced• Why keep doing it?• Q & A

24 Community solar participants

Solar Energy Project RE Production Incentives

COBICOBI PSE

Site- Lease Agreement

Net-metering Agreement

Project Administrator

Community Solar

Solutions(CSS)

Community Solar

Solutions(CSS)

• Community conversation initiated in 2005

• WA Community Solar bill passed into law in 2009

• Negotiation with local government ~ 24 months

• Financing: 6 months, 24 community members investors

• Total project size: 71kW at < $500K

• Installation: 3 weeks

Allows for a far greater number of people to go solar, by lowering multiple barriers:

• Poor site• Ownership issues• Time• Aesthetics• Financial barrier

2010201120122013Total

3 Projects8 Projects10 Projects3 Projects24 Projects

1,045+ participants!

131.2kW232.0 kW223.7kW 73.4 kW660.3 kW

From: WSU Energy Program

With just 24 projects, Community Solar has over 20% of the number of participants of residential and commercial installations in WA (5,030).

Solar to the People!

• The Legislation and its Rules • Securities laws compliance• IRS’ rules compliance• Unrealistic expectations

• Of hundreds of thousands of solar users in WA. • Who demand a more responsible energy policy, • leading to a cleaner environment, stronger

economy and more resilient communities.

Community Solar is a valuable tool to keep in WA’s solar toolbox.

Joe Deets, 206-855-4893, jwdeets@cenergysolutions.org

Thank you!