Tuesday, May 23, 2017

The IREC Report May 2017: It's Report Card Time!



May 2017
Sara Baldwin Auck, IREC Regulatory Program Director

Spring was always report card time – met by smiles or cringes, depending on your progress. With shared renewable energy programs launching in more than a dozen states over the past decade, we thought it was time to start grading states on their program's strengths and weaknesses. IREC's just launched National Shared Renewables Scorecard is a unique and valuable tool for policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders to compare active state shared renewables programs using a common metric. More
We're excited to launch our new, first-ever online scorecard that grades state shared renewables programs. It provides key insights on what's working and what's not for shared solar programs across the country. Hear more about the scorecard TOMORROW Friday May 19th 12 pm ET on a free webinar with IREC regulatory experts.  REGISTER NOW!
Larry Sherwood, IREC President/CEO

For solar market growth to continue in a safe and sustainable way, we must expand our training of individuals who come in contact with solar technology through their jobs in other professions, for instance local building planners and inspectors and firefighters. Quality solar training for these allied industry professionals is imperative, to enhance an individual's expertise – both for safety and quality assurance – and to add to the professional development toolkits available to their profession. One way IREC is moving this bar forward is by offering a series of educational forums on solar codes and safety. With recent updates to the national building and electrical codes, there are important changes to know that affect the safe installation of PV systems. More
Join us Tuesday, July 11 at Intersolar North America in San Francisco when we celebrate IREC's 2017 national 3iAward winners, selected for their innovation, ingenuity and inspiration in both renewables and energy efficiency. And stay for the cake! More
IREC authors of Charging Ahead: an Energy Storage Guide for State Policymakers took a deep dive into this new resource on a recent webinar. The guide provides regulators with specific guidance on key issues for policy consideration, including foundational policies for advanced energy storage, a new generation of technologies characterized by flexible operating capabilities and diverse applications. Download the archived version and slide deck.  

UPCOMING WEBINARS

DOE's Solar Market Pathways Perspectives on Solar: Consumer and Community Advocates
IREC joins the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) and the Institute for Sustainable Communities for a conversation on solar energy with two of the country's leading experts on consumer advocacy and energy-environmental justice. They'll share their perspectives on solar energy and consumer equity issues, including effective strategies to yield more productive energy equity conversations among industry, advocates and decision-makers. May 24, 1-2:15pm EDT. REGISTER

Solar Updates in the 2017 National Electrical Code
PV system safety and reliability is increasingly guided by robust codes and standards, including solar provisions in the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) National Electrical Code (NEC). On June 15th 2pm ET, IREC hosts national expert Jim Rogers for this interactive webinar on new articles in the NEC, i.e., Large Scale Photovoltaic Electric Supply Stations and Energy Storage Systems. Updates to existing provisions including Rapid Shutdown, and grounding of PV systems will be discussed. Questions can be submitted in advance or during the webinar. This FREE webinar is supported with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot program. REGISTER

IREC in the News

INTERVIEW: Jane Weissman on Solar Speaks Podcast

From Birkenstocks to CEOs, Jane Weissman, IREC's former president/CEO sat down with Kathie Zipp at Solar Power World's Solar Speaks podcast series for a warm and luminous conversation on her 30+ years in the clean energy biz. We all continue to be the beneficiaries of Jane's wisdom and vision. Have a listen




Over IREC's 35-year history, our consumer focus has made clean energy possible for millions more Americans by removing regulatory and economic barriers. 
Did You Know...
In 1997, IREC published Connecting to the Grid Guide – 1st Edition
In 2003, IREC published the first model rules for Net Metering
IREC counts on public and private funds to produce the success stories you've come to depend on since 1982. Join our corporate sponsors and individual donors who  enable IREC to continue to shape positive trends, meet state and federal challenges, solve problems and make progress toward a clean energy future. Ask about corporate sponsorship opportunities or make a personal donation today!
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization proud of its national reputation for independent, unique expertise and unbiased, thought-leading publications and resources. Our sponsors understand that IREC's important work is in no way influenced by the generosity of their tax-deductible donation. 
About IREC
IREC is an independent national not-for- profit organization that envisions a world powered by clean sustainable energy, where society's interests are valued and protected. IREC galvanizes nationwide adoption of sustainable and efficient energy through fact-based policy leadership, quality workforce development and consumer empowerment. Our work over the past 35 years propelled the incredible clean energy growth trends we are seeing today - building a strong foundation of clean energy state and national best practices and quality workforce training standards and programs. www.irecusa.org
Disclaimer 
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is linked to in this newsletter. Read the full Disclaimer.

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