What makes a successful utility-led community solar program?

An examination of shared solar programs across the country reveals diverse pathways to success

With almost two-thirds of utility professionals expecting moderate or significant growth in community shared renewables over the next ten years, it is time to look at what works and what doesn`t for utility-led programs.

Investor-owned utilities (IOUs) now have 13 community solar programs representing 91 MW of capacity, according to Dan Chwastyk of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA). Municipal and public power utilities have 22 programs with a combined 29 MW capacity.

But the most prolific utility-builders of community solar are electric cooperatives. According to SEPA, they have 63 programs with a 43 MW capacity, but the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association says there could be twice that much....

...Xcel Energy is working with Pristine Sun to develop a 2 MW community program in Wisconsin, said Lee Gabler, director for customer solutions. It is also partnering with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association on marketing....