Study finds the benefits of distributed solar to ALL ratepayers on the grid is significant (confirming earlier findings from studies such as Value of Solar).

Dive Brief:

• Distributed solar reduced New England wholesale power costs by nearly $20 million dollars during a heat wave from July 1 to July 7, according to a new analysis completed by Synapse Energy Economics.
• During peak hours for electricity demand, distributed solar can reduce load on the New England grid by more than 1 GW, the report found, helping to reduce system-wide costs. The analysis was commissioned by SunCommon, a distributed solar provider.
• Earlier this year ISO-New England said it expects to see declining energy use and peak load over the next decade, largely due to efficiency and behind-the-meter solar. The analysis found solar is expected to produce 2,162 GWh of total annual energy savings in 2018, rising to almost 4,800 GWh in 2027.

Learn more: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/distributed-solar-saved-iso-ne-consumers-20m-during-july-heatwave-report/531336/

Via the Portland Press Herald, the editorial board speaks out about the need for the Maine legislature to override Governor Paul LePage’s veto of L.D. 1504, Maine’s solar bill:

The governor maintains his opposition to solar power, again claiming that he is protecting the poor and elderly from being taken advantage of by people rich enough to afford solar panels.

The good news is that the governor has the facts wrong. The PUC commissioned an economic study two years ago that shows that all ratepayers benefit from a more dependable grid that results from distributed generation of solar power.

The bad news is that the governor doesn’t care if he’s got the facts wrong. His opposition to solar energy is personal and political rather than economic. LePage had no problem making the poor and elderly pay a little more on their electric bills when he wanted to finance a natural gas pipeline to buy above-market-price power from failing biomass plants. He will keep fighting regardless of what the facts are.

Meanwhile, other states are benefiting from a clean energy boom created by plummeting prices for solar panels. It’s lowering utility bills for individuals and businesses while creating jobs. Maine could get a piece of that action if lawmakers – especially Republicans in the House of Representatives – stand up to the pressure and hold firm to the votes they cast last month.