Increasing Community Solar Access Through Innovative Financing & Policy

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PDT

Location: Titian 2303, Level 2, The Venetian

Sponsored By

Learning Level: 201: Applies to those with some experience who are looking to build on or enhance existing knowledge.

When it comes to financing community solar projects, there is a lack of standardized processes and diversification of project portfolios to secure the necessary financing that will spur project deployment and increase accessibility. When considering funding mechanisms, markets have also primarily focused on traditional approaches to determining customer eligibility, such as FICO scores, that make various groups/communities ineligible for subscription. New policies and financing tools are on the horizon that will help address these concerns. In this session, panelists will discuss the impact that community solar has made on the clean energy landscape, as well as the potential the market has to fuel and fund a clean energy transition rooted in equitable access and meaningful benefits for all.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the challenges and barriers associated with financing community solar projects. Explore the lack of standardized processes and limited diversification of project portfolios that hinder securing necessary financing for project deployment and accessibility. Gain insights into the specific funding mechanisms and eligibility criteria that have traditionally excluded certain groups or communities from participating in community solar projects.
Explore the potential impact of community solar on the clean energy landscape. Learn about the advancements and achievements that community solar has made in driving the clean energy transition and promoting equitable access to renewable energy.
Understand the benefits and opportunities that community solar can provide, both in terms of environmental sustainability and social equity. Gain knowledge about emerging policies and financing tools that aim to address the challenges faced by community solar projects. Learn about the new approaches and strategies being developed to overcome barriers related to financing, customer eligibility, and project deployment. Understand the potential of these policies and financing tools to fuel and fund a clean energy transition that prioritizes equitable access and delivers meaningful benefits to all communities.

Moderator(s)

Nicole Steele

Senior Advisor, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Panelist(s)

Alaric J. Babej

Principal, Customer Energy Solutions
Public Service Company of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Justin Biltz

Director of Policy and Strategy
Cypress Creek Renewables
Hudson, Ohio, United States
Joel Gamoran (he/him/his)

Vice President & General Manager, Energy Services
Arcadia
Greenwood Village, Colorado, United States
Taylor King (she/her/hers)

VP, Renewable Energy
Live Oak Bank
Wilmington , North Carolina, United States
Eric LaMora (he/him/his)

Executive Director, Community Solar
Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC
Summit, New Jersey, United States