Topics - Finance & Tax
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Solar Valuation and the Modern Utility's Expansion into Distributed Generation
Residential solar's diffusion across the U.S. power grid is inspiring concern in the utility industry. Of particular debate have been net energy metering policies (NEM), which engender revenue losses and lead to cross-subsidization of solar customers by non-solar customers. An emerging alternative to NEM is the value of solar tariff (VOST), which is designed to pay residential solar generation based on a more nuanced benefit-cost analysis to determine the actual value of residential solar to utility operations.
Photovoltaic System Pricing Trends
With significant variance in estimates of cost and price within the solar market, DOE's Sunshot Initiative with scientists from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Lawrence Berkley National Labs, have released their report that seeks to address these differences.
Status of Net Metering: Assessing the Potential to Reach Program Caps
Several states are currently addressing the issue of net metering program caps, which limit the total amount of net metered generating capacity that can be installed in a state or utility service territory. This study examines these program caps and forecasts how long NEM would be expected to be available in various states under current policies.
Rethinking Standby & Fixed Cost Charges: Regulatory and Rate Design Pathways to Deeper Solar PV Cost Reductions
Utilities have taken on the practice of applying standby and fixed cost charges specific to solar PV for customers choosing to go solar as a means to recover costs resulting from net energy metering (NEM). These charges are not the most efficient or best means for utilities to recover costs and this report finds that an integrated approach that includes the items below will allow for both effective utility cost recovery and minimal impact on the U.S. PV market.
How Much Do Local Regulations Matter? Exploring the Impact of Permitting and Local Regulatory Processes on PV Prices in the United States
While PV modules and other hardware costs have dropped significantly over recent years, non-hardware soft costs have also fallen, but not nearly as sharply. This research report, authored by experts from Yale University, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin and the US Department of Energy, focuses on the impacts of city-level permitting and other regulatory processes on residential PV prices in the US. Key Findings:
SEIA Comments in Response to IRS REIT NOPR
On August 12, 2014, SEIA filed comments in response to the IRS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the definition of real property for the purposes of real estate investment trusts (REITs). SEIA praised the IRS for taking steps to make REITs accessible to the solar industry but also suggested ways to improve REIT regulations.FINAL SEIA REIT NOPR Comments - 8 11 14.pdf
California Extends Solar Property Tax Exclusion
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a comprehensive state budget today, which included a provision that extends the existing solar property tax exclusion until January 1, 2025. Afterward, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) president and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement:
SEIA and NYSEIA Applaud NY Property Tax Extender
Saying it will help consumers and support continued investment in residential and commercial solar, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) today commended the New York State legislature for passing a property tax exemption extension. The bill, which will now be sent to Gov. Cuomo for signature, extends the property tax exemption for distributed generation systems on homes and businesses until 2025.
Lobbying Your Member of Congress - How to Win Friends & Influence Policy on Capital Hill
Learn the what, who, and why of lobbying on Capitol Hill. Knowing what to say and what not to say is key to communicating your message effectively to legislators and their staff.
LBNL Analyzes Project Finance Impacts Under Reduced ITC Scenario
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) recently released a report detailing possible impacts on solar project financing in light of possible reductions to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The report finds that a reduction in the ITC will lead to increased use of debt instruments and decreased use of tax equity.