Read and Listen
Research reports
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Informing successful deployment and effective use of a solar+storage product in low- to moderate-income communities.
This report provided by TEPRI summarizes the following research activities that informed the Powered for Good project:
● A market analysis of the CenterPoint Energy’s Houston-area service territory to determine priorities and preferences of low- to moderate-income communities in connection with energy costs and concerns
● Analysis of financial expectations across the community to support understanding and adoption of solar+storage products
● Identification of needs and desires for inclusion of solar+storage features as part of a retail electric product
● Identification of economic benefits and/or resilience benefits of storage for the community
Report issued: January 6, 2021
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Review of existing solar + storage programs that benefit low income communities
Using a combination of online searches, literature searches, and informal interviews, we researched which structural frameworks, approaches, and finance models have enabled LI communities to successfully benefit in Texas and other states from utility-scale solar and solar+storage products.
We developed a short report on the findings of this research regarding the benefits to LI communities from utility scale solar and solar+storage initiatives.
The report indicates existing program successes, as well as lessons learned, to inform our structural framework, finance model, and ultimately, our solar+storage product for LI customers in Texas.
Submitted to DOE: July 28, 2020
WEBINARS and Presentations
BLOGS and PODCASTS
4.15.2021 HARC Research Blog
Emerging technologies such as solar+storage (S+S) systems allow utilities and their customers to generate, consume, and store their own solar energy that can be used later when the sun doesn’t shine or for resilience in the event of power outages. Even with prices for renewables and S+S systems continuing to come down, we still see a lack of access to capital to acquire this technology, especially for low income communities. Read more...
3.26.2021 Energy Crossroads Podcast, Featuring Greg Rosen
There is never a dull day in the energy markets! This discussion explores the need to scale up renewable finance strategies to correspond to the increase in private financing for clean energy, such as wind and solar, and energy efficiency projects. Listen below...