Policy trumps sunshine as a solar resource

The future looks bright for solar in the U.S. That’s according to a recent UC Berkeley study that claims that by 2050, solar power could supply a third of all electricity demand in the country’s western states.

Continue reading “Policy trumps sunshine as a solar resource”

How Mosaic Brings Solar to the 75%

From the roof of my condo complex in a sunny part of San Francisco, I can see solar panels on at least a few houses on each surrounding block.

Yet solar for our condo has eluded us. When it comes to solar, condos — with multiple owners and HOA regulations — are a tough nut to crack. I’m determined to get us solar power someday, but the jury is out on when that day will come.

Continue reading “How Mosaic Brings Solar to the 75%”

Renewables for the 100%

I’m a big fan of bringing solar to the 75% — that is, those of us who can’t get solar on our own rooftops. In the solar equation, with leases putting panels within reach of more Americans, solar is no longer an elite luxury that only the 1% can afford. But for most of us, it’s still out of reach. If you rent your home, have a shaded roof, or live in a multi-unit building, just to name a few obstacles, you may belong to that 75% who still can’t go solar.

Continue reading “Renewables for the 100%”

Solar Crowdfunding in California: Part 3, San Francisco Energy Cooperative

As the price of solar has plummeted and leases have become more widespread, many more Americans have been able to go solar. But what about the 75% who can’t?

More options are emerging for solar for the rest of us — including Mosaic’s new online marketplace, which is making it possible for people to invest in community solar projects and earn solid returns.

This three-part series profiles some other startups that are paving the way to spread solar to all.

Continue reading “Solar Crowdfunding in California: Part 3, San Francisco Energy Cooperative”

Solar Crowdfunding in California: Part 2, Everybody Solar

As the price of solar has plummeted and leases have become more widespread, many more Americans have been able to go solar. But what about the 75% who can’t?

More options are emerging for solar for the rest of us — including Mosaic’s new online marketplace, which is making it possible for people to invest in community solar projects and earn solid returns.

This three-part series profiles some other startups that are paving the way to spread solar to all.

Continue reading “Solar Crowdfunding in California: Part 2, Everybody Solar”

Solar Crowdfunding in California: Part 1, RE-volv

Image

As the price of solar has plummeted and leases have become more widespread, many more Americans have been able to go solar. But what about the 75% who can’t?

More options are emerging for solar for the rest of us — including Mosaic’s new online marketplace, which is making it possible for people to invest in community solar projects and earn solid returns.

This three-part series profiles some other startups that are paving the way to spread solar to all.

Just across the bay from Mosaic in San Francisco, three young entrepreneurs are finding new ways to crowdfund solar projects — and include the 75%. Not content to wait for someone else to do something, they’re taking matters into their own hands, rolling up their sleeves, and making projects happen.

Continue reading “Solar Crowdfunding in California: Part 1, RE-volv”