Center of Excellence

Looking at the trends in the national net metering debate.

This blog post discusses the recently developed tool for a more granular analysis of the cost (including externalities) of generating electricity from different sources. This development is the result of the research conducted by the University of Texas (UT) at Austin on the issue.

The blog post reviews recent developments surrounding the growth and valuation of distributed generation, including its impacts to the grid.

Nexant’s work with the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) on our recent paper, “Addressing the Locational Valuation Challenge for Distributed Energy Resources,” was rooted in what both organizations saw as a key obstacle to utility integration of these distributed technologies on the grid. Distributed energy resources (DERs) are at the center of a range of policy conversations across the country, propelled by the growing potential of these distributed technologies – such as solar, storage and demand response -- to shape energy and grid inv

This article involves the switch from Net Metering (NEM) to value of solar.

The rapid growth of rooftop solar and expected carbon emissions limits are forcing electric utilities and regulatory agencies to write new rules to make it possible for both utilities and renewable energy to continue to grow. That's a challenge because current regulations make utility company profits dependent on their capital investment in power plants, transmission lines and overall grid infrastructure.

An updated analysis of the “value of solar” power in Maine shows that solar installations within the state cut electricity prices for everyone in Maine who pays an electric bill, by reducing peak demand on the grid and power plants. Consumer demand for electricity peaks on hot, sunny summer afternoons, when use of air conditioning goes way up. This is when solar panels are producing power directly for homes and businesses, thereby reducing the demand for electricity from the grid.

An article that discusses the allegation that solar users cause non-solar ratepayers to pay more in rates.

This article discusses and suggests that solar generation should be branded, as such, when people hear about solar, they immediately have a complete idea of what it represents and its inherent benefits.

This blog article discusses the value of solar energy and the low cost power generation it offers. It cited Chile as an example of a country that recently accepted a bid for the development of Spanish developer Solarpack Corp. Tecnologica for 120 megawatts of solar at the stunning price of $29.10 per megawatt-hour (2.91 cents per kilowatt-hour or kwh).

This article discusses Net Metering (NEM) operations in Utah.

This news article discusses Maine's Net Metering ("NEM") and its proposed review.

Article reconciling Net Energy Metering (NEM) and VOS by advocating net metering with unbundled pricing. Also mentions reasons for utility opposition to this.

This article gives a description on what net-metering is, and the arguments for and against its use. The author goes on to examine day-ahead price data in the Pittsburgh region and found while utilities would see a decline in their retail revenue because of the sue of solar power, this loss is less than the saving potential.

Persuasive piece on the development of VOS, and why it is a viable methodology

This article questions a report that asserts that utility-scale solar is much more economical than small-scaled solar. One misguided assumption in the report is that residential and utility-scaled solar can be comparable on a levelized-cost basis.

This post discusses the growth of solar in states such as Georgia and Florida. One major reason for its growth is the approval of solar PPAs even by conservative groups and policy makers.

Article about the progression of the MN solar bill through the legislature; also contains a Prairie Home Companion reference

This article discusses the collaboration between the Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority develop a more sustainable solar program that will alleviate the industry uncertainty created by disappearing incentives. One solution TennSEIA is seeking is for the utility is to consider the "true value" of solar.

Discussion of CPS Energy's, the largest municipally owned utility in the United States, plan to offer residents cash, in the form of monthly credit on their electricity bills, if they agree to let a third party put a solar panel on their roofs.

Op-ed from former Bernie Sanders advisor using the state of Vermont's success in installing and integrating solar PV into the energy mix, specifically through cost savings to utilities and all customers, not just those with solar.

Article that shows how other countries are taking full advantage of the advances in solar tech, and providing an outlook on what the future of solar for the US could be

Reviews TVA's move to invest more in DG, especially solar, and the discussions the utility is having with regional stakeholders to ensure that the valuation of these resources is fair to ratepayers

This post discusses particular problems in rural communities gaining access to the grid and the history and rise of rural co-ops. In particular, focuses on the switch from energy generated from coal to energy produced by renewable energy sources resulting from new financial options.

Focuses on the conflict between decreasing costs of solar installation and generation and the economic viability of utilities that will have to charge more and more for their services as less and less people consume as much energy from the grid. Mentions VOS as a possible compromise between the solar industry and utilities.

Article recalling PURPA, and detailing how it could be applied to help evaluate solar valuation

Article supporting the Minnesota VOS bill and providing counterarguments to those saying it would be more expensive than current utility rates

Article that summarizes the CPS plan to eliminate net metering

This article talks about the benefits and controversies of net-metering, both at a small residential system level and the larger hydro-power or solar systems used by municipal, commercial, and industrial level. Two of the main questions addressed in this article is how do we fairly value the renewable credits generated by these system and how do we calculate what customers should pay for those services?

Applauds the forward thinking MN PUC, but expresses reservations about using VOS in place of net metering and not together or as an alternative

"Architect" of Minnesota's new solar energy standard explains how it works, and how it is good for solar and for customers. Helpful charts and VOS discussion included.

Responding to a piece in the Wall Street Journal by Brian Potts, John Farrell refutes arguments that solar is not cost-effective and valuable to the utility, and argues that it is actually the natural monopoly we allowed the utility to become that is untenable in our evolving system.

This article discusses a status update of Xcel Energy's community solar program.

Discussing the technical function of solar PV, pricing mechanisms, and how it should be apportioned on the grid (residential v. utility v. third party)

Post pointing out that EEI and NRDC's thinking on how to value solar power was almost to the point of VOS while still calling it net metering; features Karl Rábago explaining VOS.

Article about the benefits that solar could bring to Maine. In particular, the article focuses on the benefits of community solar farms.

Blog post by Karl Rábago discussing how VOS fits with community or shared solar.

Highlights a major cost of having a centralized grid: susceptibility to attack resulting in long-term blackouts

This post discusses the report, "Shining Rewards: The Value of Rooftop solar Power for Consumers and Society," which analyzed 11 studies on the benefits and costs of solar and concludes that net metering is fair way to compensate solar owners for the value they provide.

This article is a list of the top developments and lessons in the energy system transition. Number four on the list discusses the value-of-solar tariffs and successful rate reform, which allows for the full value of benefits provided by distributed energy.

Broad, big picture look at the overall cost viability and ease of access of solar generation to customers across the country. Pulls graphics from a report from the Union of Concerned Scientists

Heather Smith's post about what she believes are the five key domains that will drive the energy transition. These domains include: 1) ultra local price incentives; 2) shared control over decision making; 3) investing in innovation; 4) making information available and well used; and 5) having a long term strategy where community energy is recognized and supported as a permanent feature of our energy transition.