Earlier in October, many of the All Energy Solar team members attended the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association’s (MnSEIA) Gateway to Solar Conference 2024. The two-day event brought together solar professionals from across the country, including installers, manufacturers, utilities, government agencies, and more. Attendees gathered to connect with fellow solar practitioners, network, and, most importantly, engage in in-depth educational sessions. We had the opportunity to hear from solar leaders and state legislators and learn about Minnesota’s future of solar energy.
The MnSEIA team’s efforts to assemble this informative event are commendable. We deeply appreciate their work and are honored to be part of this transformative movement.
Here are some takeaways from the conference.
The California Solarcoaster: Lessons learned in the battle around Net Metering reform
- Many people have preconceived notions about solar energy being primarily for affluent, white households, but solar power is becoming more affordable than ever.
- Net metering laws were not solidified, leaving some counting on earning money through rebates with little or no pay for the energy they produced.
- California’s explosive solar growth has fallen in recent years, with companies forced under.
- Many agencies are forcing the hand of lawmakers through deliberately cherry-picked stats and misleading information. (A graph was shown that proves California doesn’t have nearly the solar installed that it should have to meet capacity demands, especially when it is most needed.) However, many remain convinced that Solar is overproducing.
The Future of Minnesota Solar: A Multi Agency Roundtable
- The main emphasis was getting ahead of the laws: Play offense in solar and green legislation, not play defense. To be active and not reactive.
- We need to prevent utilities from changing net metering. Currently, in most of MN, consumers who produce their own electricity end up making the same amount per kilowatt hour as the utility companies would.
Striking a Balance: Navigating the Nexus of Mining and Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future
- Solar panels use a lot of silicon and other rare materials that are mined.
- MN is known for its iron range, but it also has plenty of other metals to mine. Most do not want more mining, but an emphasis was placed on not outsourcing the mining and never thinking about where our metal comes from. Real environmentalism doesn’t follow state or national boundaries.
North Star initiatives: Minnesota Communities leading the Way in Climate Action Plans
- MN Climate action plan includes zero emissions by the year 2050.
- Each city, county, and state tends to have its own CAPs, sometimes contradicting or hindering each other’s success.
- St. Paul has looked to curb emissions sooner than 2025, but there is conflict about how to proceed toward that goal. Solar energy is one piece of a giant puzzle (wind, hydro, geothermal).
Solar Ready Communities: Best and Bad Practices in Local Permitting Initiatives
- Don’t assume that all rural communities are the same or have the same values.
- Before beginning a rural project, talk to any pertinent parties (landowner, city council, neighbors).
- Focus on your supporters to give you a foothold in the community. Don’t try to act like an insider, but do be friendly, abide by customs, and work alongside the community. Learn what is essential to that community.
Charged for Change: Harnessing Batteries & Other Emerging Clean Tech
- It is important to own your energy and utilize sustainable, new technology.
- Deploying our current technology, such as batteries, storage systems, solar, etc., requires concentration and a reasonable effort.
- There are many challenges we still face with customers, and we help them by –
- Respectfully and kindly educating.
- Work hard with policymakers to ensure there are rebates for customers, grants, etc.
- Getting policies through and getting projects done during that timeframe.
Sunrise to Sunset: The Lifecycle of Solar Panels – Manufacturing to Recycling
- There is a lot of waste from job site projects, including cardboard, plastic, etc.
- Solar waste recycling programs can build communities and partnerships and create new job opportunities.
- We can repurpose solar panels when they are at the EOL (end of life).
Harnessing Solar for Minnesota’s Schools & Public Buildings
- Solar for schools has grown over the last few years, with 8,971 schools in MN with solar panels, 1814 MW cumulative solar capacity and 202kW average system size per school.
- The state will continue to expand school eligibility.
- There is an MN State grant program for public buildings. About $4.3M has been distributed in state grants for solar arrays:
- Local units of government: county, statutory or home rule charter city, town, etc.
- Buildings that considered public buildings are those within Xcel territory, owned and operative by the government.
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