IREC first developed Model Interconnection Procedures in 2005 in an effort to capture emerging best practices in this vital area. Several important evolutions in best practices are synthesized into the 2013 Model Interconnection Procedures, last updated in 2009.

The important advances incorporated into these model procedures include:

This paper explores the possibility of financing renewable energy projects through raising capital in the public markets. It gives an overview of the size, structure, and benefits of public capital markets, as well as showing how renewable energy projects might take advantage of this source of new funds to lower the cost of electricity.

State and local policymakers show increasing interest in spurring the development of customer-sited distributed generation (DG), in particular solar photovoltaic (PV) markets. Prompted by that interest, this analysis examines the use of state policy as a tool to support the development of a robust private investment market. This analysis builds on previous studies that focus on government subsidies to reduce installation costs of individual projects and provides an evaluation of the impacts of policies on stimulating private market development.

Considering installing solar on a municipal facility? During this hour-long webinar, you will hear from solar industry experts about the benefits of going solar, solar technologies and their applications, and tools for financing solar projects.

Laura Mundell, with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), discusses solar in greater Pittsburgh Region, and SPC's engagement in the Department of Energy's Rooftop Solar Challenge. To learn more about SPC, visitwww.spcregion.org.  For more information on the National Association of Regional Councils, visit www.narc.org.

In this podcast, Becky Campbell, a Research Manager with the Solar Electric Power Association, discusses utilities and solar. This podcast covers what utilities see as some of the benefits and concerns when it comes to solar, and how local governments can effectively work with utilities to go solar.  To learn more about SEPA visit www.solarelectricpower.org.

Lenox, a small town in the Berkshire Hills, is a Massachusetts Green Community. As a Green Community, Lenox received grant funding from the state, and the town has invested a portion of this funding into a grant program to help residents install solar on their homes. With neighboring Pittsfield, Lenox is also participating in the SolarizeMass program, a partnership between the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the Green Communities Division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, and participating communities around the state.

In March 2012, the cities of West Linn and Lake Oswego, Oregon, launched Solarize West Linn-Lake Oswego, a community-led solar initiative, supported by both cities, Clackamas County, and a grant from the city of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Clackamas County also supported a Solarize campaign along with the county’s Oregon State University extension service – Growing Solar Clackamas County. 

Santa Barbara, California, has made solar a priority. The city has several municipal installations, a robust set of solar design guidelines, and a Solar Design Reconition Program, which recognizes excellence in design of both active and passive solar systems. The city also supported the local Solarize Santa Barbara campaign.

This document introduces the Energy Department's new Solarize Guidebook: A Community Guide to Collective Purchasing of Residential PV Systems. The guide is designed for 'green' consumers, utilities, local governments, and community groups who want to replicate the success of the Solarize Portland model, overcome barriers to implementation, and permanently transform the market for solar energy in their communities.