The document discusses the concept and benefits of shared solar programs, particularly for individuals unable to install solar on their properties due to restrictions or concerns. It highlights the potential for significant solar capacity increase if more households participate and outlines guiding principles for program implementation. The document also includes future considerations for expanding access to shared solar, especially for low- and moderate-income consumers.

1. Shared Solar: What’s Working,
What’s Next
Erica Schroeder McConnell
Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP
October 22, 2014
www.irecusa.org
@IRECUSA
#3iForum

2. Why Shared Solar?
I want to benefit from renewable energy generation,
but I…
– Rent my apartment
– Live in a multitenant building (e.g., a condo)
– Have insufficient or problematic roof space
(e.g., too shady)
– Am just not interested in on-site generation
(maintenance responsibility, aesthetic issues, etc.)
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Only 25% of residential roofs permit on-site generation
Paidpati, Frantzis, Sawyer and Kurrasch, Nat’l Renewable Energy Lab., Rooftop Photovoltaics Market Penetration
Scenarios, (Feb. 2008), available at http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/42306.pdf.

3. Serving More Energy Consumers
Net Metering Shared Solar
If just 5% of U.S. households invested in a 5-kW interest in a
shared solar system…
… we’d see over 28 GW of additional solar capacity!
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html
The Vote Solar Initiative
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4. Guiding Principles for Shared Solar
1
2
3
4
IREC, Model Rules for Shared Renewable Energy Programs (2013), www.irecusa.org/wp-content/
uploads/2013/06/IREC-Model-Rules-for-Shared-Renewable-Energy-Programs-2013.pdf
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5. Shared Solar Growth in the U.S.
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Future
Based on IREC research as of September 2014, www.irecusa.org
MD:
D
C
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6. Program Implementation Over Time
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
IOU
Co-op
Muni
Based on IREC research as of September 2014, www.irecusa.org
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7. Type of Energy Service Provider
Based on IREC research as of September 2014, www.irecusa.org
25
13
16
Co-op
IOU
Muni
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8. Installed Kilowatts
Based on IREC research as of September 2014, www.irecusa.org
9,212
5,825
48,162
Muni
Co-op
IOU
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9. Average Program Size
Coop – 253 kW
Muni – 709 kW*
* Excluding SRP 20-MW program
IOU – 6020 kW
Based on IREC research as of September 2014, www.irecusa.org
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10. Critical Program Elements
1. Allocating the benefits of participation
2. Valuation of the energy produced
3. Program administration
4. Shared solar facility ownership
5. Shared solar facility size and location
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11. Additional Considerations
• Number of program participants
• Minimum and maximum subscription sizes
• Portability and transferability of participation
• REC ownership
• Consumer protection
• And more…
Ultimately, the community’s goals,
priorities and constraints determine
what the program looks like
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12. What’s Next?
• Programs nearing implementation:
– Minnesota Community Solar Gardens
– Washington, DC Community Renewable
Energy Facilities
– California Green Tariff Shared Renewables
programs
– Utility-level projects and programs
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13. What’s Next?
Policy considerations—how can we:
• Maximize grid benefits and minimize
interconnection costs?
– Interaction with distribution planning and
interconnection procedures
• Reach more low- and moderate-income
consumers?
– Interaction with financing opportunities
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14. Further Resources
www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/49930.pdf
www.irecusa.org www.irecusa.org
• IREC Shared Renewables Resources:
www.irecusa.org/regulatory-reform/shared-renewables
• Shared Renewables HQ: www.sharedrenewables.org
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15. For more information
Erica Schroeder McConnell
emcconnell@kfwlaw.com