Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Neighborhood Groups Call on DC to Renew Solar Rebates and Quadruple Solar Installations


Rebates for residential solar installations in Washington DC have spurred job creation and have literally energized almost 1,000 homeowners across the City.  The highly successful four-year rebate program will end in 2012 – casting uncertainty over the prospects for solar energy in the District.  DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN - www.dcsun.org), a grassroots coalition of residents that promote solar energy in the District, are urging the City Council and Mayor to extend this effective program for four more years – allowing 4,000 new projects to be completed.  DC SUN believes that in four years, falling prices for solar panels will make the economics of solar so good, that rebates can be completely phased out.

To reach specific goals in four years, DC SUN is proposing rebate reductions, which will essentially double the number of installations supported each year until the program is phased out. In addition, DC SUN proposes that half of the solar rebates be dedicated specifically to go to low income homes.  DC SUN proposes that DC offer fixed rebates of - $4,000 per project in 2013, $3,000 in 2014, $2,000 in 2015, and $1,000 in 2016.  These rebates, in conjunction with available Federal tax credits and solar Renewable Energy Credits, will make solar an unbeatable investment that allows the City to shift to renewable, locally-produced energy.  The rebate program has created jobs in DC, and will create more jobs if renewed.  Atta Kiarash, Vice President of DC-based installer Solar Solution LLC, remarked that the rebate program has been essential to creating demand for solar projects -- indicating that it would be foolish for DC to discontinue a program with such broad support and a record of success.  He stated, "taking away this grant not only hurts DC homeowners, but also local businesses that provide services to residents."

While solar is still a good investment without DC rebates, our analysis shows that DC residents that are considering solar are looking for a 6-year payback period. Current solar prices offer about a 10-year payback period – and DC rebate program will tip the scales for many consumers (see www.dcsun.org “One Roof” solar price evaluation).  This investment will not require the City to raise new funding because the energy surcharge that exists on your bill is already being used to fund solar rebates.  Under DC SUN’s proposal, this existing funding stream would continue to be used to fund solar rebates.  

The existing program has created jobs in DC!  Atta Kiarash of DC-based installer Solar Solution, LLC has directly attributed the rebate program to job growth for his business, indicating that failure to renew the rebate program with such strong support base .  Atta Kiarash, Vice President of Solar Solution, LLC

DC SUN is urging the Mayor, Department of the Environment, and the Sustainable Energy Utility to implement this proposal plan as part of the Sustainable DC initiative.  DC SUN thinks the plan can be announced and implemented quickly with funding that is already coming into the City.  You can register your support for solar rebates as part of the Sustainable DC voting process.  As November 22nd, the continuation of solar rebates has received the second highest number of votes of all submitted ideas.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

“One-Roof Solar Evaluation” Documents Dropping Solar Costs in DC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/16/11

“One-Roof Solar Evaluation” Documents Dropping Solar Costs in DC

DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN), a consortium of cooperatives, has completed a cost comparison by inviting vendors to bid on the same job.  Four vendors participated in the bidding (Lighthouse Solar, SolarCity, Solar Solution and Astrum Solar), while several other vendors completed an online survey.  The DC SUN website documents the findings in more detail, provides bid information and provides an online evaluation tool for your solar project (click here for One Roof Evaluation information).

Key Findings  

• Now is the time to invest in a rooftop solar electric system in Washington, DC. Panel prices are a record-lows, installer competition is high, and Solar Renewable Energy Credits, along with a 30% federal income tax credit and the monthly savings in your electric bill all combine to allow you to do well while doing good.

• Return on investment can be far better than one can receive for most other investments. Compared to the current rates for savings accounts, certificates of deposits or stocks and bonds, investing is a rooftop solar electric system has great financial returns. The returns from solar electricity are tax-free in that money you don't have to spend on your electric bill is money you don't have to earn and pay taxes on.

• Even if you don't have cash upfront to purchase a photovoltaic system at this time, a leasing option can still reduce your monthly electricity bill. You'll pay PEPCO less and generate renewable energy on your own roof.

The Details

  • Gross system cost (before any incentives) for purchasing a system averaged $25,061, ranging from $19,382 to $34,320.  Since 2009, the costs to install have dropped more than 20%.
  • Net system cost (after tax and other incentives) for purchasing a system averaged $12,854, ranging from $9,922 to $16,784.   The reduced net costs factor in Federal tax credits and solar Renewable Energy Credits (sRECs) that vendors will help you leverage.
  • For the lease options, the Initial System Cost averaged $3,639, ranging from $0 $7,278. Two of the lease options had annual payments, averaging $44/month, ranging from $516 to $816 per year.
  • Simple Payback for purchase averaged 13 years, ranging from 12 to 15 years. For leasing, the average was ~11 years, excluding the $0 down option.
  • Internal Rate of Return for purchase averaged 5.8%, ranging from 4.6% to 7.5%. For leasing, the average was 10.0%, excluding the $0 down option.
  • Energy savings ranged from 29% to more than 100% - your vendor can help you with this calculation, which depends on system size, energy consumption patterns and weatherization.
  • DC SUN suggests that weatherization be done prior to, or in conjunction with solar installations.  DC SUN also recommends that systems not be sized greater than 100% because current DC laws do not allow you to take advantage of “overproduction” that occurs over a year’s time frame.

Analysis

Solar is a great long-term investment and DC SUN believes now is the time to go solar!  DC SUN, in previous surveys and member polls, has determined that despite the favorable return on investment, that many homeowners are motivated by the need to re-coup their investment on a shorter time horizon than currently achievable – closer to 6-8 years.  Because the District of Columbia’s solar rebate program sunsets this year and has a full waiting list, explosive growth in residential solar will likely require a re-commitment to providing small rebates over the next 4 years to bring the payback down to the 6-8 year time horizon.  Within four years, the price of panels is projected to continue dropping – which will drive solar installations without additional rebates from the District.  If you want to urge DC to establish a new solar rebate program, click here and register your vote for new solar incentives.

The detailed results of each bid, and additional worksheets allowing consumers to calculate their own rate of return are now posted on www.dcsun.org.  DC SUN strongly suggests getting multiple bids before going forward.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

DC SUN sets up fund for solar!

Well, in a way, we have grown tired of waiting for rebates that come and go, so we decided to set up our own program. Our target is to expand the solar market-- especially by funding high profile projects in organizations that are important to our communities. What do I mean?? Well-- churches, schools, non-profits, small local businesses. Many of these organizations can go solar now, but they don't know it. DC SUN can help.


What is it? DC SUN has now launched the NEW Community emPOWERment Fund. Many local installers will now provide a donation to DC SUN’s emPOWERment Fund if their customer is a member of DC SUN. Money in the fund goes to support solar projects for non-profits, churches, and other community organizations. So, when you talk to an installer, tell ‘em DC SUN or your local solar coop sent you!

· The six charter installers contributing to the Fund are:

      • Kenergy Solar
      • Lighthouse Solar
      • Skyline Innovations
      • SolarCity
      • Solar Solutions
      • Volt Energy

·


Click here to learn more

There are lots of ways to get engaged. We will start on-line fundraising for specific project. You can volunteer with DC Sun and get trained to be a solar ambassador to help worthy organizations go solar.. Or you can nominate you favorite local community organization to receive a grant toward a new solar system. Fill out our online form to nominate an organization YOU think should receive a Community emPOWERment Fund grant.


The market and prices are there to go solar now! It is just going to take a bit of effort to get the word out to ALL parts of the city. JOIN US!


--Anya

Monday, August 29, 2011

Film Screening Hosted by DCSUN -- The 4th Revolution

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13
Screening of THE 4TH REVOLUTION
Directed by Carl A. Fechner
DC Solar United Neighborhoods and the WASHINGTON FILM INSTITUTE’s Green Screen Series invite you to a screening of Carl Fechner’s The 4th Revolution — Energy Autonomy, courtesy of the Goethe Institut, at 700 Eye Street, NW on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 6:30 PM.
Scott Sklar, of The Stella Group, will introduce the film and moderate a panel discussion — “A global context for US renewable advocacy” — immediately after the film.
If Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth begged the central question of climate change “What is to be done?” Fechner’s lushly photographed film provides a substantive answer that is well worth the wait.
The late Dr. Hermann Scheer, German Bundestag member and Chair of the World Council for Renewable Energy presents proofs that renewables can replace fossil and nuclear fuels, while offering a way out of the environmental rock and the economic hard place in which oil dependence has trapped developed and developing countries alike.
The film goes directly to Mali, the Amazon Rainforest, China, Bangladesh and Europe — to show how renewables are doing just that.
A reception will be held afterward, provided by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, DC.
Seating is limited so please RSVP now to reserve a space.  Click Below for More Info and Online Registration....


The 4th Revolution

Friday, August 26, 2011

15 Solar Projects to be Funded by the Sustainable Energy Utility

In my previous blog post, I discussed the need for the new Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) to step up to the plate in helping promote residential solar installations. It appears that the SEU is listening as they have launched a solar area on their website and have made some money available for those on the solar rebate waiting list.  See http://dcseu.com/programs/Solar.aspx for program details.

While funding 15 projects is not going to put the City on the fast track for continued growth in solar installations, it is a positive start.  We will continue to reach out to the SEU in hopes: a) that additional rebate funding can be made available in 2012 -- possibly allowing the wait list to re-open; b) that the SEU and DDOE can devise a replacement program for the existing Renewable Energy Incentive Program starting in 2013; and c) that solar becomes a key part of the Mayor's sustainability push.  More details are below regarding the status of the rebates and wait list.... 
 ------------------------------------

1. 414 homeowners are in the queue for a DC solar rebate.  Waiting list is now closed.
2. 2011 funding for REIP from DDOE is gone, so the 414 will be considered for 2012 fiscal year rebates (at half the original level).
3. The SEU will fund about 15 projects at the top of the list of 414 in the next few weeks (at full rebate).
If you are in the top 15 of the waiting list, please monitor your email closely for information from the SEU.   At the old rebate levels, you will be getting a great deal that has almost an immediate payback.  You will have 6 months to complete the install.  If you want to know your place on the
waiting list, see http://rrc.dc.gov/green/lib/green/pdfs/REIP_Waitlist_Feb_8_2011.pdf

Questions regarding the 15 SEU funded projects should go to Damon at 202-479-2222, ext. 1022 or toll-free 855-MY-DCSEU (855-693-2738), ext.1022. 

Thursday, July 7, 2011

DC Government Inaction Stifles the Explosive Growth of Solar in DC


Thanks in part to a generous solar rebate program offered by the District of Columbia, more than 450 families have installed solar panels since 2009.  This is exactly why the DC Council originally passed the legislation creating the program.  As an organizer of one of many solar neighborhood cooperatives, I had been receiving questions about going solar from neighbors and residents from across the City on a daily basis. Last year, installation crews from local businesses were seen all over DC -- with new projects being completed every day.  Looking at the numbers from across DC, 68 projects were completed in 2009, then 218 projects in 2010.  Projections were that solar installs would double each year – rising to 500 in 2011 and more than 5,000 per year by 2015.  Solar energy became a frequent conversation topic on the street, in the workplace, and on social networking sites – with solar enthusiasts like myself boasting about receiving a “credit balance” on our pepco bills.  Apparently, the solar revolution had finally hit DC, but this year has been much different. 

As businesses ramped up their hiring and more people began doing the research needed to go solar, all of a sudden, a significant slowdown occurred in the solar industry here in DC.  Why did this happen, and what are the prospects for those that missed out on the first wave, but are still interested?  In a nutshell, a series of missteps and planning problems within DC government is primarily responsible for the slowdown in solar growth and job loss within the industry.   The lack of decision-making and planning has created significant uncertainty, which is holding residents back from signing contracts to install solar.  Let’s examine first how the solar slowdown happened, and then go through some ideas on how to restart our solar momentum in DC.

For those of you new to solar, the economics of financing your project rests on what I will call a four-legged stool.  The legs are:

1)      a 30% Federal Tax Credit on the full amount of the system cost;
2)      local DC rebates (which during the boom averaged $11,000 per project);
3)      carbon credit sales (known as solar Renewable Energy Credits or sRECs) that allow you to “sell” the green attributes of your solar system for cash, and
4)      future costs savings that accrue as solar panels produce electricity – essentially net metering that reduces your pepco bill typically in half.

The first wave of solar installs in DC received an almost too good to be true deal in which the subsidies above would pay for 70% – 100% of the average system cost.  The DC Rebate was an essential component drawn from a $2 million per year trust fund which is financed by a small surcharge on your pepco bill.  It is not difficult to imagine why the DC Rebate program became quickly over-subscribed. The combination of high demand for rebates, and the raiding of the energy trust fund by the Mayor and DC Council (essentially cutting the $2 million yearly total in half) caused the Department of the Environment to close the waiting list to new projects, and propose a reduction in the rebate amounts for those that were on the waiting list before it closed.  The proposed rebate reduction, which has not officially been finalized, would allow more projects to receive rebates at a smaller amount.  The rebate program sunsets in 2012 (though the pepco energy surcharge does not), meaning that those not on the list now have no current option for applying for funding, but that ratepayers will still be funding a program that will not exist after 2012.

What does this mean for those of you stuck on the existing DC rebate waiting list, or those of you that want to now want to apply for a rebate?  First the good news:

1)      solar prices are dropping fast – a system that would have cost $35,000 in 2009 will now cost only about $22,000;
2)      the Federal Tax Credit is still available;
3)      the value of sRECS, which had dipped recently, will gradually stabilize when the DC Council passes the Distributed Energy Generation Bill (19-10) next week.

So, assuming $22,000 for an average system, minus $6,600 in Federal tax credits leaves an upfront system cost of $15,400.  Assuming $2,000 per year in energy credit payments to you and savings on your utility bill, then a simple payback will be reached in about 8 years.  Feedback from residents interested in solar indicates that the “tipping point” for deciding to go solar is a 4-5 year payback -- which is where the DC rebate program comes in.  Many of you waiting in the wings do not want to move forward with an installation with an 8-year return on investment, knowing that you might miss out on rebate money.  So, you are patiently waiting to hear what DC is doing with the rebates.  “Patiently” is the operative word as there has been no information shared on the program’s direction.  For argument’s sake, let’s assume that DC were to provide you a $4,000 rebate.  Your return on investment would then inch closer to that magical 5-year payback, and perhaps the solar revolution would enter a second phase.  While those on the existing waiting list will probably get some rebate money in 2012, re-opening the DC Solar Rebate program to new applicants will spur homeowners to spend a significant amount of money on projects that will employ DC workers and bring tax money back into the city.

Our city-wide cooperative organization, DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN), has met with government officials to question what the future plans are for solar rebates.  After all, we are still paying the energy bill surcharge to fund investment in solar – so why aren’t the benefits being dispersed through a renewed solar rebate program?  In a public meeting on January 19th with DC Department of the Environment head Christophe Tulou, we were told that little or no long-term planning for DC solar rebates was being done because DDOE was awaiting approval of a contract with the new “Sustainable Energy Utility” – an organization that was being created to chart the path forward on sustainability in DC.  We were told that the SEU would fully engage on solar once they were formed.   Earlier this Spring, the contract for the SEU was awarded to Vermont Eneregy Investment Corporation.  We were very excited to sit down with the new Director, Scott Johnstone, and engage on a long-term vision for solar in DC.

Despite Mr. Johnstone’s firm grasp of renewable energy issues, we were disappointed to find out from him that; a) DC Department of the Environment was still in fact calling the shots on the long-term prospects for solar in DC; and that b) the SEU would be focus its 2012 spending to exclusively promote weatherization rather than carving out some funding for solar.  Our clear message to Mr. Johnstone was that the SEU needed to get out of the box fast on solar, and could jump-start the industry again about targeting some funds into the depleted solar rebate program.  Unfortunately, we were told that any such decision to replenish funds in the solar program would need to go through DC Department of the Environment.  So, back we went to DDOE asking about their plans to replenish funding in the rebate program from money that exists now and could be immediately available to those sitting on the waiting list.

This is where the bureaucratic maze really becomes difficult to navigate, as it appears that DDOE and the Mayor’s office are working on several very large “vision-setting” documents, of which solar is a small part.  Rather than trying to get some short-term wins by funding popular and highly effective carbon cutting solar projects, progress forward appears completely stalled as the “grander scheme” is developed on a myriad of sustainability projects.  What this means is the funding available for the SEU to spend on sustainability projects (like solar) may revert back to the general fund because no one will make the decision to fund the solar waiting list.  Funding the solar waiting list with 2011 SEU money would mean that solar projects could start right way, and the $2 million that will become available next year under the original rebate program could be used for new applicants to the waiting list.  Instead, it looks like inaction by the Mayor, DDOE, and SEU will allow the SEU funds to lapse back to the general fund – essentially heading off the possibility of getting more rebates to more people.

DC SUN continues to fight for solar incentives, but until there is a real commitment by our elected leaders, the program will continue to operate under a cloud of uncertainty.  This is unfortunate given that there is a clear path forward that will bring green jobs, carbon reductions, and locally-produced energy to meet peak summer demand.  What is lacking is a decision-maker willing to make this happen.  On July 11th, the SEU has announced a public meeting at 3pm at 1325 G St NW, Suite 500.  We think it is great that the SEU is reaching out the public, but it is about time that DDOE and SEU were in the same room offering a vision for the program rather than pointing back at each other when flaws in the existing program are pointed out.

If you want to go solar, please consider attending and using some of our key messages:

1)      DDOE needs to immediately announce what the planned rebate level is for next year, and re-open the waiting list for rebates.
2)      that DC needs measurable goals for attaining solar milestones (residential, schools, businesses, gov’t),
3)      that existing 2011 SEU funding should be used to fund the waiting list now to re-energize the program,
4)      that 2012 rebate funding should be supplemented by SEU funding to provide more rebates (smaller rebates can fund more projects)
5)      that a new 4-year plan (2013-2016) must be developed now to provide certainty for homeowners and industry and ensure that pepco surcharges are used for intended purposes, and
6)      that more creative ways to fund projects for low income residents must be developed to supplement existing rebate programs.

We are not quite at the point that explosive growth in installations will occur without a DC rebate program; however, with dropping prices and technology innovations, after another 4-year rebate program, it is likely that solar prices will drop to the point where rebate incentives may no longer be needed.  When the rebate program was up and running, it was extremely successful, so why not continue it as a way to move the city toward a renewable energy future. Solar is the gateway for DC residents from every ward in the city to dramatically reduce their carbon, and for people to take control of their energy costs to become more prosperous and self sufficient.  Solar has the potential to bring great green jobs to this city, instead of exporting our energy dollars out of our economy.  It is time for bold, clear and decisive action, not more delay and finger pointing.  City officials need to re-open and properly fund DC’s Solar Rebate Program!

Mike Barrette
Capitol Hill Energy Cooperative Solar Project Director
Founding Member of DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN)
Join our listserve at www.dcsun.org to learn more about going solar
Follow our blog and post comments at http://solardc.blogspot.com/
Let the following DC officials know that you want the DC Solar Rebate to re-open!

            Christophe.tulou@dc.gov
            sjohnstone@dcseu.com
            Vincent.gray@dc.gov

Monday, June 6, 2011

Distributed Generation Bill Goes to the Full Council!

So the First Reading of the Distributed Generation Act of 2011 (Bill 19-10) is tomorrow morning.

The bill passed unanimously out of committee with votes from Alexander, Bowser, Graham and Mendelson. The following Council members have also affirmed strong support for the legislation: Cheh, Kwame Brown, Harry Thomas, and Marion Barry. So at this point.. we are assuming that tomorrows first reading will be a CELEBRATION!!!

Pass the word! Bring sunflowers to show your support for solar! Turn out to let the DC Council know that this is just the beginning of the DC Solar movement.

When: Tuesday, June 7th at 11:00 AM (Council meeting begins at 10:00 AM).

Where: Room 500 at The Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (Closest Metro: Federal Triangle on Orange/Blue Line)

Why: First Reading of the Distributed Generation Act of 2011 (Bill 19-10)

RSVP: E-mail solarcoop@yahoo.com

Visual: Bring bouquets or single sunflowers so members of Council see your support.

This legislation will create a healthy D.C. market for Solar Renewable Energy Credits for the next 10 years. What does that mean?

  • JOBS: A healthy solar market in D.C. will mean 2,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.
  • CITY REVENUE: A healthy solar market in D.C. could generate more than $150 Million in tax revenue over the next 10 years.
  • SOLAR FOR ALL: A healthy solar market in D.C. will enable affordable financing and leasing options for solar installations. This means that any D.C. resident could take advantage of solar energy.
  • MORE SOLAR: Clean and renewable energy from the sun, not dirty coal.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Solar on the Move!

Solar Bill Passes Committee

Distributed Generation Amendment Act of 2011 Bill 19-10

Fantastic news! Thanks to all the hard work from solar supporters like you, the solar legislation we need to put more solar panels on DC rooftops passed unanimously out of committee in the D.C. City Council yesterday! Council members ( CM Graham CM Bowser, CM Mendelson, and CM Alexander) went out of their way to comment on the solar businesses in their Wards and all the strong reasons to support the bill!

The bill was changed slightly from the original draft but it is still a strong step forward—a victory.

How strong a step is this? This legislation will essentially guarantee a stable solar market for years to come allowing for solar to proliferate across all eight of the Districts wards. This legislation will enable the district to go from about 500 homes being powered by solar today to 15,000 homes being powered by solar in 2014. THat would be a solar boom! This bill takes us one step closer to a day in which we can all afford solar in DC! This bill is good for green jobs and the bill and even according to DC's own fiscal analysis -- the bill will have a positive impact on the DC Budget!!

The bill markup in committee is just the next step. We still need to pass the legislation out of the Council. Stay tuned for a notice asking you to show up to show your support at the City Council on June 7th.

The DC Solar Movement is getting stronger every day!

Anya Schoolman

Mt. Pleasant Solar Coop

DC SUN

P.S. Thanks to everybody who showed up at the Pepco shareholders meeting. Here is an article about the meeting.

http://www.examiner.com/solar-energy-in-washington-dc/dc-residents-pressure-pepco-to-provide-solar

Friday, May 20, 2011

DC Sun Sends Message to Pepco!

For those of you who missed the rally in front of Pepco today-- you missed a great event!
There was an awesome turn out, fantastic banners, great chanting and great spirit! The DC Police Department closed off a lane in the street in front of Pepco-- Their flashing bright lights and quiet, calm presence helped make the event even more substantial than it would have otherwise. Pepco sent out a security guard to film the participants. Local TV was there to cover the event. DC RISE UP was there, with megaphones and bags of coal to pass out to share holders as they entered the building. Tom Kelly-our fearless DC SUN Pepco trouble shooter—rocked sun shaped temporary tatoos on his recently bald head! Tom brought his custom printed "Power from the People" signs with lightning bolts to the event. Thanks to all of you that showed up! YOU REALLY MADE MY DAY!!!

Inside John Capozzi (Ward 7 Coop leader) spoke about his intention to introduce a shareholder resolution to require Pepco to affirmatively address climate change. He spoke about his interest as a shareholder in seeing Pepco embrace solar as a money making enterprise and suggested that Pepco might help finance and or market solar to residential customers. John said that Pepco was missing huge opportunities in this area.

John Rigby Pepco CEO expressed concern and said he wanted to address John's issues before John felt compelled to come back to the shareholder meeting next year! He offered to personally meet with John in the near future!

Inside, Anya Schoolman (DC Sun and MTP Solar Coop leader) spoke about Pepco's roll out of smart meters and smart grid and their apparent hostility to solar in general. She said that as a shareholder she was concerned that Pepco was turning the environmental and solar advocacy community into enemies instead of potential allies in the building of a new energy economy. She mentioned that there had been a number of complaints filed with the PSC. She also mentioned that Pepco's actions were engendering resentment that would translate into real regulatory risk affecting the bottom line of Pepco shareholders.

After the meeting, both John and Anya were approached by a number of senior executives from the Pepco team. Charles R. Dickerson, Vice President, Customer Care mentioned the November 2010 meeting with DC Sun and Pepco management in the office of DC Council member Bowser. Anya replied that there has been zero follow up since that meeting. Important news however, he announced that the staff of the Green Power Connection Team has been tripled! So maybe Lisa Bladen will have some help, and you won't be put on hold for 45 minutes any longer? I look forward to your reports.

Also, John Huffman, President of Pepco Energy Services expressed interest in meeting with us and working collaboratively with the Coops. Although PES works on efficiency and solar for large commercial and government buildings we suggested there might be ways to collaborate--for example, by bringing the Solar Coops in on a bulk purchase of PV panels to bring our price/watt down significantly. We would love your ideas on how we might take advantage of PES new “interest” in finding common ground with the Coops.

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