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Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)
January 2022 Newsletter
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This month’s
DSIRE
Insight
blog post focuses on all things Agrivoltaics.
Agrivoltaics can be broadly understood as the co-opting of agricultural land and practices, with solar photovoltaics (PV). Agrivoltaics can appear in a variety of structural types, each
intended to create conditions in which dual use of land with solar PV arrays is viable. Agrivoltaics demonstrates that the relationship between agriculture and solar PV around land use, need not be exclusively competitive. In many cases, agrivoltaics is mutually
beneficial for both those wishing to protect or restore traditionally agricultural land, and those satisfying the demand for solar PV systems.
Solar agrivoltaics is not exclusive to large-scale utility solar PV systems. Due to the flexibility in which arrays can be installed, solar agrivoltaics is attainable for both commercial
use and large-scale utility projects.
The structure type that is first brought to mind for many people is raised structures. This technique includes the installation of solar PV arrays on stilts a number of feet above the
ground. Crops are then cultivated underneath the panels. The solar PV arrays have the potential to have sun tracking systems for increased efficiency, though for temporary systems, the investment may not be worth it. This structure type appears to be the most
popular and occupies the majority of research on agrivoltaics. However, the raised structures are not without drawbacks. Increased initial investment is required compared to traditional solar PV arrays, due to additional material and labor. The structures
are by nature larger than traditional solar PV due to their elevation which, in turn, needs to be reinforced against wind.
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The following DSIRE program entries have been updated in the past month:
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Read our team's picks for recent policy actions we thought were particularly interesting or noteworthy:
Rebekah de la Mora, Policy Analyst - In response
to the February 2021 winter event, Texas began investigating wholesale market reforms; a blueprint of the reforms was released in January 2022. ERCOT must implement Phase I reforms, which focus on improving price signals, reliability, & ancillary services,
as soon as possible. Phase II reforms, which focus on models for reliability mechanisms, will be discussed by the Public Utility Commission & ERCOT and should be finalized by mid-February.
Brian Lips, Sr. Project Manager - The California Public Utilities Commission released
its proposed decision for a net metering successor tariff in mid-December. The proposal is structured around net billing with monthly excess generation being credited at hourly rates based on avoided cost. Customers would also have to pay a monthly grid participation
charge of $8.00 per kW. The proposal has already set off major fireworks, and the coming weeks should have lots of action as the future of customer generation in California is decided.
Vincent Potter, Policy Analyst - A flurry of electric vehicle-related bills were introduced
in the Virginia State House and Senate as the legislative session opened this month. Among them, bills that would allow fines between $100 and $250 and/or towing for non-electric vehicles parked in EV charging spaces as long as appropriate signage is posted.
The senate bill passed its chamber on January 19, 2022. Other bills, including ones allowing limited resale of electricity at charging stations, and installation of fee-based charging stations by state park authorities, were introduced in January as well.
Autumn Proudlove, Sr. Policy Program Director - The Mississippi Public Service Commission
filed proposed net metering rule revisions in January 2022, which would keep the current net metering credit structure in place, while introducing a residential solar rebate, providing price certainty on the adders, specifying that RECs are owned by the customer
(unless receiving a rebate), and directing utilities to file fixed charge proposals and "solar for schools" programs. The Commission would also establish a separate community solar rulemaking.
David Sarkisian, Sr. Project Manager - On January 13, 2022, the Illinois Power Agency
released a draft Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan. This document is the first such plan released since the state legislature passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in September 2021, and the plan implements many of that law's provisions. The
plan will open new tranches of capacity for Illinois's SREC-based solar incentive programs (the Adjustable Block Program and Illinois Solar For All Program). Regulatory dockets implementing other elements of the legislation, including utility-provided rebates
for distributed solar and storage systems, are also underway."
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Strengthen Your Skills & Power Up Careers in Clean Energy
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The NCCETC Training Program supports individuals and organizations to get the training and credentials needed to expand expertise in rapidly
evolving clean energy industries. We provide comprehensive and up-to-date educational programs for veterans of the industry, those seeking a career change, or anyone looking to kick start their career in clean energy. Both companies and individuals can benefit
from the training program’s high-quality classroom and hands-on learning covering the technical and financial side of clean energy. Some of our upcoming and ongoing offerings include:
· Solar Storage Workshop (February 21-23, 2021 in-person course in
Raleigh, NC): Join us for a hand-on workshop that covers fundamental principles of battery based systems. At the end of the class, students will be able to assist in designing and installing a solar PV system with battery back-up.
· Certificate of Renewable Energy Management (March 14 - April 22,
2021 in-person + online learning): This course provides a solid foundation for gaining expertise in the current policy, technology, and management aspects of renewable energy projects. Learn how to make informed decisions as a manager, businessperson, or
decision-maker for solar and clean energy project development. The class begins with a three-day intensive taught by professionals working in the industry and includes additional webinars over the six week course.
· Custom Training: Our training team can develop an online or live program tailored to the needs of your company. From
course materials to hands-on activities, we ensure that our content will efficiently and effectively train your staff. We provide training that supports your needs in the industry now. NCCETC staff and instructors have decades of experience working in clean
energy industries and have extensive knowledge that can support you!
If you're seeking clean energy training opportunities for yourself or your team, please reach out to
Allison Carr,
NCCETC Clean Energy Training Specialist. We're here to provide essential training opportunities and learn along with you.
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Consider a Sponsorship and Get Recognized on DSIRE
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The Center offers sponsors the opportunity to be recognized through DSIRE. The Center’s sponsors featured on the DSIRE web page will have a
unique opportunity to reach potential customers and partners in all sectors of the energy market.
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DSIRE Insight provides policy research and analysis services to energy industry professionals. DSIRE Insight is a project of the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, expanding upon the Center’s
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency and and 50 States
quarterly policy tracking reports. DSIRE Insight's subscription services focus on distributed solar, grid modernization and energy storage, and electric vehicles, as well as customized energy policy research. The DSIRE Insight team takes advantage
of decades of personal and institutional experience to offer a deeper dive into U.S. clean energy policy, with an emphasis on new policies and policy changes under consideration across the country.
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Our Mission
The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies.
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