The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has released the ‘Utility Community Solar Handbook: Understanding and Supporting Utility Program Development.’
SEPA says the handbook provides the utility's perspective on leading community solar program development and can be used as a resource for government officials, regulators, community organizers, solar energy advocates, nonprofits and interested citizens who want to support their local utility in implementing a project.
According to SEPA, the handbook details legal, financial and project design considerations utilities need to address during project development and provides suggestions for how communities should engage with utilities and support the program implementation effort constructively. Effective implementation covers areas such as stakeholder engagement, infrastructure and supply procurement, and program marketing.
In addition to SEPA, partners of the study include ICELI-USA, International City/County Management Association, Interstate Renewable Energy Council Inc., North Carolina Solar Center, Meister Consultants Group Inc., The Solar Foundation, American Planning Association, and National Association of Regional Councils.
SEPA says the material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.
To view the handbook, click here.