Law Commons^™

Retail Rate Impacts Of Distributed Solar: Focus On New England, Nick Martin, Karl R. Rábago

Environmental Law Program Publications @ Haub Law

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) recently issued a study entitled “Putting the Potential Rate Impacts of Distributed Solar into Context,” authored by Galen Barbose. The LBNL study estimates the potential rate impact of distributed solar on national average retail electricity prices, and importantly, compares that impact to the potential impact of other rate drivers such as natural gas prices, renewable portfolio standards, and utility capital expenditures.1

This brief applies a similar style analysis as used by LBNL to regional and state level data to estimate more granular impacts for New England. We estimate rate impacts for various penetration rates …

Maine Distributed Solar Valuation Study, Benjamin L. Norris, Philip M. Gruenhagen, Robert C. Grace, Po-Yu Yuen, Richard Perez, Karl R. Rábago

Environmental Law Program Publications @ Haub Law

During its 2014 session, the Maine Legislature enacted an Act to Support Solar Energy Development in Maine. P.L Chapter 562 (April 24, 2014) (codified at 35‐A M.R.S. §§ 3471‐3473) (“Act”). Section 1 of the Act contains the Legislative finding that it is in the public interest is to develop renewable energy resources, including solar energy, in a manner that protects and improves the health and well‐being of the citizens and natural environment of the State while also providing economic benefits to communities, ratepayers and the overall economy of the State.

Section 2 of the Act requires the Public Utilities Commission …

Land Use Planning For Solar Energy: Resource Guide, Jessica A. Bacher, John R. Nolon, Tiffany Zezula

Environmental Law Program Publications @ Haub Law

This document was created to help New York State localities develop and adopt solar friendly policies and plans. It begins by presenting the local government’s role in land use planning and regulation and introduces common characteristics of “solar friendly” communities. The resource then describes how municipalities should begin a solar energy initiative through an official policy statement that provides support for solar energy and that authorizes a task force to shepherd the process, appropriate studies, training programs for staff and board members, inter-municipal partnerships, and outside funding sources. Next, the document explains how municipalities should engage the entire community in …

Zoning For Solar Energy: Resource Guide, Jessica A. Bacher, John R. Nolon

Environmental Law Program Publications @ Haub Law

This document is designed to help New York State localities amend zoning and other land use regulations to permit the development of solar energy systems in their jurisdictions. While it applies to many types of solar energy systems, this resource guide focuses primarily on solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems. It begins by describing the local government’s role in land use planning and regulation. It then discusses the importance of defining all solar energy systems that a community wants to allow in existing zoning districts and shows how to incorporate those definitions in the zoning ordinance. Next, the guide explains …

The Value Of Solar Tariff: Net Metering 2.0, Karl R. Rábago

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

Increasing numbers of customers are installing solar photovoltaic systems on their homes and businesses. As module and system costs decline, customer demand grows, and more businesses organize around the solar opportunity, it is time to revisit the tariff structure under which these systems integrate with and operate on the electric grid. This article details a novel approach to a distributed solar tariff, called the “Value of Solar” tariff (“VOST”), that addresses important utility and customer issues, and offers some significant improvements over traditional net metering approaches. There is a saying in the venture capital world to the effect that, “It …

The ‘Value Of Solar’ Rate: Designing An Improved Residential Solar Tariff, Karl R. Rábago

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

The most commonly adopted rate treatment for residential solar systems connected to the grid is net metering, or, as it is also known, net energy metering. The first net metering tariff was adopted in 1983, and the approach is part of utility policy in over 40 states in the U.S.

Solar Energy: New York City Sets Pace In Adopting Sound Policies, John R. Nolon, Jessica A. Bacher

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

Through state legislation and local land use powers, municipalities in New York have authority to facilitate solar energy usage and reduce carbon emissions. This article analyzes several specific New York and municipal legislative provisions enabling New York’s municipalities to encourage or discourage solar energy. Interestingly, many of the tools discussed in this article are variations of pre-existing traditional land use tools such as, variances, subdivision design requirements, or fee exemptions.

Don't Take My Sunshine Away: Right-To-Light And Solar Energy In The Twenty-First Century, Tawny L. Alvarez

Pace Law Review

No abstract provided.