Solar energy has positive impacts on a variety of different fronts. For most solar adopters, a combination of sustainability and environmental concerns, increased energy security, and desire to pay less for power are at the top of their list of reasons for choosing solar energy. But solar power can also provide a larger social good than merely mitigating our impact on the environment. A recent project we worked on for a local non-profit is a great case study for solar’s social impact.

Given the recent news that CO2 levels are higher than they’ve ever been in the span of human existence, a “war-time” solution to climate change is what’s needed. Might it be possible to decarbonize the economy through a country-wide switch to electric appliances?

The Biden administration’s new jobs, infrastructure, and climate plan was unveiled on March 31st, 2021. Titled the American Jobs Plan, it will have wide-ranging impacts on the economy and notably the clean energy sector. The White House calls this “the moment to reimagine and rebuild a new economy,” and their ambitious investment package just might live up to the hype. What should solar consumers and those who work in the solar industry take away from the plan?

Not everyone realizes that the most impactful energy policies are created at the state level. They are able to leverage federal policies but also go further in creating local jobs, a more reliable grid, and anticipating and mitigating problems. This is why state-level policy advocates like MOSEIA (which we discussed in detail recently) are so important. These advocacy groups influence state policy by providing a coordinated voice at the state and local level in the development of legislative, regulatory, and policy proceedings. They are critical in the fight for the future of affordable, renewable energy - and renewable energy is critical to efforts to provide safe, stable, and accessible power to consumers.

I wish to offer the following background information and offer a practical solution in addressing the issues raised by Mr. Jim Shipman of Weston in the February 24th edition of your paper. Missouri lacks a comprehensive, modern state energy plan, which other states have developed. Such a plan, as well as policies, would ensure supply and pricing characteristics meet demand for customers of all the state’s utilities. Furthermore this plan would focus on job creation, economic development, environmental quality, energy security, resiliency (grid modernization) and health benefits. Developed and implemented properly, it would equally benefit consumers, businesses and utilities.

The solar market is a competitive space these days. How can solar companies stand out and make solar more affordable and accessible to a wider consumer base? One of the most noteworthy aspects of the service we offer to customers is the return on their investment in alternative energy technology. The better the ROI, the easier it is to convince solar adopters to take the leap, so any efforts to reduce costs are important.Hard costs (which include technology and equipment, labor costs, and materials costs - also known as hardware costs) are fixed, so there isn’t a lot of wiggle room when it comes to pricing. Soft costs, however, are another story. These include a variety of areas like marketing and sales efforts, property assessments, engineering costs, and permitting. If a solar company can reduce these costs, they can pass the savings along to consumers and be more competitive without reducing the quality of their work.