By Jerry Purvis, Scottsbluff Star-Herald
SCOTTSBLUFF — Scottsbluff could realize some of the lowest electric rates in the nation under an agreement that will bring solar power to all city operations. During its Monday meeting, council members approved a lease agreement with Sol Systems, LLC as part of the city’s five-megawatt solar power project. Sol Systems would then enter into an energy purchase agreement with Nebraska Public Power District for distribution of the solar electricity.
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NPPD Photo: Scottsbluff Community Solar Project. Through NPPD’s SunWise Program, a total of 135 solar shares were available. Each solar share = 150 kilowatt-hours per month, the minimum participation level. The maximum participation level was the number of solar shares equal to 80% of a customer’s total annual energy consumption. For example, if a customer used an average of 1,000 kilowatt hours per month, 80% = 750 kilowatt-hours or up to five solar shares. All 135 solar shares were spoken for, and customers are now placed on a wait-list. See Solar Examples for additional details.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READING
Recently Reposted by the Clean Energy Finance Forum: Small Decisions Move Clean Energy Forward in Nebraska
South Sioux City Solar Farm: 2.3-megawatt array (1,200 panels) located on a 21-acre solar park south of the city, alongside C Avenue. The array generates enough energy to provide 5% of South Sioux City’s electrical needs. This is the first Nebraska project for California-based developer Solar City, a Tesla Motors subsidiary.
Archived News Story: Solar is South Sioux City’s latest investment in renewables, Sioux City Journal
Photo Credit: Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
NEWS FROM OTHER STATES
- Tesla Energy is now mainly using its own ‘Tesla-branded’ solar panels made at Gigafactory 2, Electrek. While we are waiting for Tesla to ramp up its solar roof tiles, the company is starting to use more of its own solar modules. A new report shows that Tesla Energy is now mainly using its own ‘Tesla-branded’ solar panels made by Panasonic at Gigafactory 2 in Buffalo.
- Wyoming on track to double its wind power, Casper Star Tribune
- Previously Posted: Rocky Mountain Institute officials agree Carbon County, Wyoming is breeding grounds for transition into renewable energy sources
- Engie starts construction of 196-MW wind project in Kansas, Renewables Now
- A $100 Million Microgrid Proposed for Downtown Cleveland, Microgrid Knowledge
- Minnesota’s Connexus Energy readies its solar energy storage sites, Daily Energy Insider
“We listen to members who tell us they want renewable energy without it costing more,” Connexus CEO Greg Ridderbusch said. “Most solar energy is produced when there is lower demand and the price is lower. We will discharge stored solar energy during peak hours when energy costs are the highest.” - Million Solar Strong eyes New York, PV Magazine
The coalition’s goal of powering one million homes with solar energy is gaining traction in the Empire State, especially among members of the State Assembly. - Renewables reduced wholesale power costs by $5.7 billion in Texas, PV Magazine
ELECTRIC BUSES – NEWS & A REPORT
- VW Settlement and Clean Transportation
The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) has driven advocacy efforts to secure funding for electric school buses through the $3 billion Volkswagen diesel scandal settlement fund. Each of these states will fund electric school bus purchases totaling $20 million:
Illinois: $11 million
Michigan: $3million
Ohio: $3 million
Indiana: $2.75 million - School buses first priority in Michigan Volkswagen settlement plan, Midwest Energy News
- Report recommends ways for cities, schools to finance electric buses, Smart Cities Dive
