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.