From Auto Shows to Start-Ups, Solar-Powered Cars are On the Rise

#Solar-powered vehicles have been on the minds of many in recent decades. It has become a well–known fact that the carbon-emissions given off by our vehicles are negatively contributing to the environment. In an effort to solve the predicament of needing reliable transportation for all, while also needing to preserve our Earth, both national and international automakers everywhere are making an effort to unite solar power and clean #energy with the vehicles we drive every day.  

Sono Motors: The #Solar Vehicle Start-Up to Watch 

In light of automaker Saab’s bankruptcy, a German solar vehicle startup known as Sono Motors will be taking over one of Saab’s facilities in order to build #solar-powered #electric vehicles. The solar vehicle model is called the Sono Sion and operates through the use of solar panels and a battery that gains its charge from the solar panels.  

The Sono Sion is the first solar-powered vehicle to feature solar panels that are embedded into the body of the car. The solar panels themselves fit seamlessly into the body of the vehicle, without sticking out or needing to be mounted. Other solar-powered vehicles have featured mounted rooftop solar panels, which may be less than appealing for some drivers. The Sono Sion has completely changed the automotive solar energy game by bringing together both ingenuity and aesthetic in one eco-friendly, solar-powered vehicle. 

Production for the solar-powered Sono Sion is set to begin in Sweden in 2020, with gradual delivery of the model in the years to follow. There are not currently plans in place that will bring the Sono Sion to the United States or outside of Sweden, but depending on the demand for solar-powered vehicles in the coming years, it is likely they will eventually expand vehicle production internationally. 

A Rise in Solar and Electric Vehicles 

The 2019 Annual Auto Show was recently held in New York City this month and featured a variety of futuristic-looking solar and electrically powered vehicles. There were automotive dealers like Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Tesla, just to name a few, all of which featured their own unique electrically-powered vehicle designs. As solar-powered assets are becoming increasingly more common, it is no surprise that we are seeing more and more automakers turn to renewable sources for vehicle fuel and function.  

The 2019 New York City Auto Show is just one event in a series of many in recent years that have pointed toward a solar-powered future for our vehicles. Just last year in late November, Los Angeles held their auto show and featured many electric, hybrid, and solar-powered vehicle prototypes, as well. It is clear that there are now several vehicle makers that are now quickly closing in on Tesla’s long-held spotlight in the realm of solar-powered and electric vehicles. 

Volkswagen Making Major Strides 

Last year at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen debuted a concept for a solar-powered van for commercial purposes that operates through the use of a solar roof. While a previous model had been on display in Detroit prior to this release, the earlier model is significantly shorter and does not come with many of the same features inherent in the new design. Volkswagen’s new model is called the I.D. BUZZ CARGO because of the very features it contains compared to its earlier design. The I.D. BUZZ CARGO van not only operates through the use of clean, solar energy, it also includes identification technology for enhanced security, ideal ergonomic seating, and onboard computers that enable drivers to control all parts of their vehicles.  

This year, Volkswagen released another concept design, this time for a versatile electric vehicle known as the ID. BUGGY. This particular electrically-powered vehicle is inspired by Volkswagen’s original buggy vehicle design that has been in production for decades. The release of the ID. BUGGY is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events in both the solar and automotive industries. While Volkswagen has yet to announce a production start date for this particular model, we will likely see a complete prototype sometime this year or in the very near future. 

Resources: 

https://cleantechnica.com/2019/04/20/nevs-will-build-sion-solar-powered-electric-car-at-former-saab-factory-in-sweden/ 

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/saab-trollhattan-factory-sono-motors-sion-electric-car/ 

https://electrek.co/2019/04/17/new-york-auto-show-2019/ 

https://laautoshow.com/vehicle/volkswagen-i-d-buzz-cargo-2/ 

Solar Expansion in Georgia

Recently, a yearly report on #solar development was released by The Southern Alliance for Clean #Energy. This report highlighted how solar growth is continuing in the #Southeast, and that the Southeast region will end up surpassing 10,000 MW this year. It noted the addition of 65 percent for solar growth in 2018, and the prediction is that 19,000 MW will be in effect by 2022. The numbers are impressive, to say the least.  

Solar Expansion in the Southeast 

According to the executive director of #Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Stephen A. Smith, the second annual solar report establishes the potential which remains for amplified solar expansion in the Southeast.  

Smith discussed how utilizing watts per customer metric allows the ability to know which utilities and states are falling behind when it comes to denying customers solar power. The facts provided by the aforementioned report act as a useful tool as regulators and facilitators alike all over the area progress in their planning for clean energy, such as with solar power.  

The state of #Georgia’s leading utility, #Georgia Power, remains a regional leader in solar. Georgia’s watts per customer solar ratio in 2018 came in at 280, and this number is higher than average in the Southeast (this number sits at 269). Still, there is work to be done so the numbers don’t fall below average in the near future.  

Georgia Public Service Commission could mandate surplus solar expansion in the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (Georgia Power). This is a mandatory plan covering three years – regulators commenced hearings earlier this month, and the goal is to sustain solar leadership in the state of Georgia.  

Georgia Power boasts 426 watts of solar installed per customer, falling behind Duke Energy Progress, which boasts more than 1,620 watts per customer. 

Staying on Top with Solar 

#Tim Echols, Public Service Commissioner, mentioned that supremacy in solar might slip over the next two years. However, there is the potential to add one or two gigawatts and stay on top.   

Georgia Power was directed by the #PSC to create an #Advanced Solar Initiative seven years ago, and this led to the creation of over 700 megawatts of solar. The Department of Defense worked in partnership with Georgia Power in an effort to develop solar on military bases – to the tune of 166 megawatts. The current plan, because of an arrangement with the PSC in 2016, anticipates the addition of 1,600 megawatts of solar, biomass resources and wind by next year.  

Echols mentioned the desire to develop more rooftop solar in GA, especially in areas like Athens and #Atlanta, in order to assist with their clean energy goals. He mentioned helping Atlanta and Athens by upping the limit of buyback costs for rooftop solar and array sizing.  

PSC Chairman Lauren McDonald anticipates that there will be more solar than what was suggested by Georgia Power. He foresees more of an effort to increase distributed generation. Whatever measure he puts forward will be supported by Echols.  

Jason Shaw, the newest commissioner, is staying objective. He mentioned having heard from Georgia Power Co. and looking forward to hearing more from interveners. He wants to see Georgia continue to be a solar market leader.  

Utility–scale is supported by The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, in addition to mid-size community solar — such as the Sea Point industrial park ground-mounted array (where thousands of #solar panels were set up this year).  

There is still work to be done in Georgia as well as across the globe. The state of GA could benefit from hands-on policies such as net metering, as homeowners find that it takes longer to see a return on rooftop solar. 

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy shared that Solar Carolina, for example, will extend net metering. Florida utilities are working to advance community solar programs in an effort to grant access to more customers. There is work to be done everywhere, but think about clean energy efforts taking place by you. Continue to follow solar news and stay in the loop – big things are happening!  

Sources: 

https://www.scnow.com/news/state/wire/article_6839f6b7-ebe4-517b-9e13-239fc822310c.html 

https://www.savannahnow.com/news/20190414/solar-growth-continues-in-savannah-southeast 

Coal Predicted to Be More Expensive to Produce than Solar by 2025

It is no secret that #coal-fired power plants are making their way towards extinction. Compared to #solar and wind power plants, coal-fired plants are not only inferior, they now are projected to cost more to run than wind and solar plants by the year 2025. If getting rid of coal-fired power plants and replacing them with solar and clean #energy alternatives was not already a priority, it will be now. Vibrant Clean Energy and Energy Innovation released a report in March of 2019, highlighting that the #coal-cost crossover has begun, meaning that existing coal plants are becoming more and more expensive to operate, while solar and clean energy alternatives are becoming more affordable. 

Coal Emission Statistics from 2018 

Last year, greenhouse gas emissions were at an all-time high, with more than 33.1 billion tons of gas emissions being released into the atmosphere in total. This particular fact has many scientists and experts in the field unnerved. It seems that as we have made collective efforts to increase #solar energy production and utility, #greenhouse gases have only increased. Michael Mehling, the deputy director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research in Massachusetts, told the Washington Post that the increase in greenhouse gas emissions is “very worrisome,” and despite the fact that there has been some progress in the solar and renewable energy realms worldwide, efforts thus far, “remain woefully inadequate.” 

Making the Switch from Coal to Solar 

According to the report on coal-cost crossover, if 74 percent of the current coal power plants were replaced with solar and wind energy plants today, customers would see savings start immediately on their monthly utility bills. By 2025, this number could grow to as much as 86 percent. The problem is, deconstructing a coal plant and reconstructing a new solar or wind plant in its place is no easy or small feat. Particularly for those living in the Midwest and the Southeast, the impact of a transition from coal-powered utility to solar-powered may prove to be jarring. In the Southeast region of the country, for example, nearly all of the coal plants are substantially at risk for closure and replacement by solar plants by 2025. This does not leave a lot of time for coal workers and others in the field to make the transition themselves to alternative careers in the energy or solar industries. Additionally, lawmakers, investors, and stakeholders will need to move methodically in order to make the transitions from coal to solar as smooth as possible. 

The increase in greenhouse gas emissions seen last year is a discouraging blow to those heavily involved in the solar energy industry. The transition from coal to solar energy needs to happen now, and in the next several years, we can expect to see coal plants replaced with solar and wind solar sites. It has long since been rationalized that coal power plants have been kept around because they are cheaper to run than solar plants. This is no longer becoming the norm and will eventually be an obsolete idea entirely based on the statistical trends of solar energy implementation and cost we are now seeing. 

Coal manufacturers and site owners should take heed of the multiple warnings and reports released by experts in the solar energy field this year alone, detailing the impending coal to solar switch that is bound to take place in the United States and worldwide. Those working in coal manufacturing should prepare for the very real possibility that coal jobs will disappear entirely within the next decade or so and be replaced with solar energy jobs.  

In order for the switch from coal to solar to happen effectively, systematic and methodical closures will be necessary. Closing a coal plant is not like closing a retail store or a restaurant. There are multiple steps and conscious efforts that will need to be taken in order to maintain energy generation of some sort while a solar plant is being constructed. Although replacing coal plants with solar plants will ultimately benefit the surrounding communities and solar energy consumers, the road there may not be easy.  

Resources: 

https://energyinnovation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Coal-Cost-Crossover_Energy-Innovation_VCE_FINAL.pdf 

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25032019/coal-energy-costs-analysis-wind-solar-power-cheaper-ohio-valley-southeast-colorado 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/03/26/blow-climate-coal-plants-emitted-more-than-ever/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.045583588aba 

Member-Owned Community Solar Could Become Adopted on National Level

You might have heard of member-owned #community solar, and for good reason. It is about to potentially become even more popular. Only just commissioned via People Power is a 7 kilowatt #solar system, which services 50 special-purpose cooperative members. It is the first residential solar system in America that is cooperatively-owned and a brand new model, according to Oakland’s Sustainable Economies Law Center’s Director of the Community Renewable #Energy Program, Subin DeVar.  

Solar Moves in Oakland: Bringing Clean Energy to Market 

Oakland’s Sustainable Economies Law Center has offered support and legal services for the People Power project because of a grant from the California Energy Commission. The California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development Initiative (CalSEED) provided the financing. The goal is to help entrepreneurs and innovators to bring clean energy concepts to market. This is an important move in the world of solar.  

The People Power coop is designed based on the objective to deliver electricity to customers at a lower rate than is usually charged by the local utility – we are talking about 15 percent savings. #SolarCity actually recently suggested a 15 percent savings to potential lessees prior to the company being bought by #Tesla.  

Community Solar: Creating Self-Reliant Communities 

The electricity from the People Power installation is used up by the duplex residences, which host the array. Surplus electricity is exported to PG&E under the present net metering standard. A return is provided to investors through the project. According to DeVar, business modeling, pre-development costs and planning costs for developing the coop were covered. He mentioned the importance of providing legal services which will promote self-reliant communities in regard to energy.  

In terms of community solar, other models include but are not limited to third-party-owned projects, utility-owned solar projects, and not-for-profit projects. So far, utility-owned community solar has spread very quickly, but without the involvement of a government subsidy, the incentive to offer electricity at a lower rate than non-solar electricity is merely not there.   

In a third-party-owned community #solar project, one usually has a situation in which the developer maintains ownership of generating assets and sells power to consumers under power purchase agreements (PPA’s). In this type of solar project, some residential customers might be involved. Unfortunately, often times, low-income residents are left out.  

With regard to the People Power coop, some low-income members participate, but without a continuing government subsidy, it tends to be difficult to include many low-income members in a community solar project. DeVar mentioned discussions taking place regarding consumers paying over a period of time instead of upfront in the event that they cannot otherwise afford to be a part of the community solar project. Basically, there is the clear notion that adopting clean energy is important, but it’s equally as important to get more people on board and financially able to participate.  

A Solar Expansion 

DeVar stated that the Sustainable Economies Law Center is thinking about replicating the People Power solar project model elsewhere in California, and possibly even outside of California.  

There is talk about adding more solar arrays within the People Power coop, too, including privately owned sites and residences. The Sustainable Economies Law Center is also thinking about deviations on member-owned community solar, for instance, situations in which a primary user might be a large anchor customer, such as a church or local business.  

In situations where consuming members are geographically spread, DeVar noted the possibility of virtual net metering for member-owned community solar.  

Going forward, it is very likely that the state of California will support more member-owned community solar and maybe, other financial partners could replace the role of a government subsidy.  

There are many things happening across the country in relation to solar power, specifically community solar projects. Following solar news always seems to reveal interesting stories which demonstrate how forward-thinking individuals and businesses alike happen to be. Imagine what could be done in your area if more people had the opportunity to go solar. Stay on top of solar news and consider small changes you could make daily to help improve and clean our planet. Think about the People Power Solar Cooperative in Oakland and how investments of up to $1,000 each from 50 plus community members have made such a difference. When we all work together, big things happen!  

Sources: 

https://cleantechnica.com/2019/04/11/member-owned-community-solar-poised-for-national-adoption/ 

https://cleantechnica.com/2019/04/08/first-individually-owned-community-solar-project-opens-in-oakland/ 

Maine Trying to Catch Up to Solar Energy Standards

#Maine Governor Janet Mills took office early this year and almost immediately began turning her focus towards #solar energy. Mills has signed a bill that will restore #net metering, a move that will allow residents to finally take advantage of the dropping prices in #solar panels. Net metering is a solar #energy incentive that allows consumers to create and consume their own electricity at any time, rather than just at the time that the solar energy is generated. Net metering is especially helpful during the evening or winter months when less sunlight is gathered.  

The particular bill that Mills has signed will not only restore net metering for solar energy customers, it will also give customers credit back for any excess energy that is not used, helping solar energy customers in Maine to save even more money. With these new policies, prior provisions put in place by the Public Utilities Commission will become obsolete. These former policies mandated these solar energy customers have two electric meters, as well as be charged for all of the electricity they use, even if it is self-generated. The former governor of Maine, Paul LePage, effectively stalled solar energy growth in the region due to his negativity surrounding the subject, as well as repeated vetoes of solar energy bills during his term. This new bill signed by Mills is presented with the hope that it will help Maine, at the very least, elevate itself back to the status quo of solar energy production seen nation and worldwide. 

Taking Advantage of Reduced Solar Costs 

There is not a single state in this country or region in the world that is exempt from exploring alternative or solar energy options in order to contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future. Although Maine must now play catch-up in order to bring solar to the forefront, officials are doing so at this point where solar energy and solar panels are more cost-effective and affordable than ever.  

An analysis published by MIT last November revealed why the cost of solar panels has dropped by 99 percent in the past four decades. Researchers at the institute found that government policy is the primary factor influencing the dramatic cost reduction. Government policy has helped to grow the solar energy market as a whole through measures such as feed-in tariffs and subsidies. In fact, MIT found that government policy stimulated market growth so much that these policies account for 60 percent of the cost reduction seen in solar panel prices. 

Maine’s Solar Design Program 

Nearly two years ago, faculty leaders at Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) in Fairfield, Maine were interviewed about their solar design and installation courses and certifications. The college offers an associate program to train individuals in solar panel installation and set-up, as well as non-degree certification courses. Back in April of 2017 when solar design instructor Rich Roughgarden was interviewed about the job market in Maine, he spoke to the problem that Governor Mills is now trying to fix. He said that while graduate students from the KVCC could expect to find work right away, it was unlikely that those jobs would be in Maine.  

At the time, the solar energy market in Maine was lagging behind the rest of the region. Roughgarden’s apprehension was by no means pessimistic, but rather, a realistic representation of the solar energy market in Maine up until now. While renewable energy jobs are available in the Northeast, Maine is not providing as much opportunity as other surrounding states. 

A Solar-Powered Future for Maine 

Although Maine has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to solar energy, this new bill is a step in the right direction. Since we know that government policy is one of the most influential factors when it comes to the cost-reduction of solar panels, as well as growth in the market, we can hope to see new jobs and opportunities arise for in-state solar workers. Lawmakers are scheduled to meet in the coming weeks to discuss the details of the new bill and its provisions. 

Resources 

http://news.mit.edu/2018/explaining-dropping-solar-cost-1120 

https://www.pressherald.com/2017/04/09/fairfield-campus-trains-for-solar-of-the-future/?rel=related 

https://www.pressherald.com/2019/04/04/our-view-maines-new-solar-law-just-a-first-step/ 

Virtual Solar Power Plant for Los Angeles

It is important for people across the globe to consider where their power comes from. California has certainly found itself in the news recently regarding this concept, with the announcement that three natural gas power plants would be phased out by Department of Water and Power in an effort to move toward 100 percent renewable #energy sources.  

Mayor Eric Garcetti stated that there is a responsibility to end dependency on fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy sources (such as #solar). But now, the question is – how does this happen? How do we prioritize clean energy/solar energy?  

A Virtual #Solar Power Plant: Is This The Answer We Need?  

#Sunrun, a renowned provider of residential solar power, recently released a report regarding the deployment of residential solar panels and batteries, essentially forming a virtual solar power plant. The company believes that its clean energy target can actually be increased with a utility-run virtual power plant.  

According to the chief executive and co-founder of Sunrun, Lynn Jurich, #rooftop solar and storage could be utilized to retire at least one of the aforementioned gas plants by 2030. Moreover, in comparison to new gas plant capacity, a virtual solar power plant could end up saving close to $60 million.  

Consistent with Sunrun’s report, #Los Angeles has 36,000 homes that have rooftop solar – this number might seem high, but viewing it as a percentage is underwhelming – it equates to just 2.5 percent of residential customers. For the record, 36,000 homes translates to roughly 182 megawatts of residential rooftop solar.   

On the other hand, San Diego is at closer to 11 percent, which equates to 139,000 residential property owners having rooftop solar units.  

Batteries – Eliminating Concerns With Solar 

Enough power could be provided to replace a natural gas power plant if the total for Los Angeles were to be expanded to 75,000 homes and apartment complexes with batteries. Using batteries would help with concerns customers might have about solar. Some worry that a backup source would be needed on days with minimal sunshine when considering the use of solar power.  

A virtual power plant would encounter yet another concern many have regarding residential solar power. They might be apprehensive that the upfront cost is too high. But because one would contract with the utility, they would have a usable credit.  

Sunrun wants to promote solar power. Engineer #Bill Powers in San Diego, who works as a witness in the best interests of customers before utility regulators, discussed how what Sunrun wants to do is entirely feasible. His belief is that it would be straightforward to make this shift from a cost and technological viewpoint.  

Powers discussed an issue – that it is completely contrary to the method in which utilities which are investor-owned and publicly owned have earned money in the past. However, he stated that large-scale solar power in Los Angeles could serve as a model for other cities, to include San Francisco.  

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power commissioner, #Aura Vasquez, believes rooftop solar power will become a cost-effective, large source of power in the future. She discussed excitement surrounding the concept of it.  

Back in 2015, you might have seen the Sustainable City Plan. In this plan, the city of Los Angeles set a target of up to 1500 MW of installed solar by the year 2025. Clearly, there is a commitment to using renewable energy sources, and this is something other cities should certainly pay attention to.   

Continue following solar news to learn about the latest advancements and concepts coming to light in popular places such as Los Angeles. Have you seen solar panels going up on rooftops where you live? Many neighborhoods are beginning to see signage popping up all over the place for solar panels. When you read about the difference that going solar/using clean energy sources can make, it is easy to see why a shift is occurring. It looks as though Los Angeles is making moves in a positive direction. Perhaps a virtual solar power plant is the answer the city needs to look at in its effort to go green.  

Sources: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/05/us/california-virtual-solar-power-sunrun.html 

https://electrek.co/2019/04/05/solar-battery-plant-la/ 

How Agrivoltaic Solar Systems are Changing Agricultural Production

One family farm in Longmont, Colorada has been transformed into a #solar #energy research site with a unique purpose. Bryon Kominek and his family, with the help of the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), the University of Arizona, and Colorado State University, have begun positioning solar panels on their farm alongside their growing crops, as well as their beehives. The goal is to have at least 3,000 solar panels covering portions of the farm, meaning a substantial portion of the farm’s crops will be covered in shade. This particular solar panel positioning and union with #agriculture is known as #agrivoltaics.  

The History of Agrivoltaics 

#Agrivoltaic is a term you likely have not heard before. Agrivoltaics describes the process of using the same land area for both solar power and #agricultural purposes. The process was first introduced not too long ago in the early 1980s, when physicist Adolf Goetzberger first proposed the idea of using the same land area for both plant cultivation and solar energy production. It was not until decades later in 2011, however, that the term ‘agrivoltaic’ would first be seen in formal literature.  

Agrivoltaic solar systems have two primary functions. The first is water retention. In hot climates where plants are more likely to lose water due to evaporation, the shade provided by the solar panels can help reduce water loss. Agrivoltaic solar systems also help to regulate heat flow for crops. Not only does the shade of the solar panels help protect the plants from excessive sunlight, they also help regulate the temperature of the air around plants.  

Agrivoltaic Solar System Benefits 

According to Jordan Macknick, lead energy analyst of the National Renewable Energy Lab, locations like Colorado can particularly benefit from agrivoltaic solar systems. The solar panels help the plants avoid pausing photosynthesis due to overheating during the hottest parts of the day. As long as the solar panels are positioned properly and elevated high enough above the crops, they work as a win-win for both solar energy and agricultural production. These kinds of multi-use strategies and innovations are becoming increasingly popular in the solar energy realm and for good reason. Using the structure of the solar panels themselves to shade and protect farmland will help increase crop yields overall and protect certain worker insects, like bees. 

National and Worldwide Agrivoltaic Projects 

Colorado is not the only state in our nation to be experimenting with agrivoltaics. In the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, pea, carrot, pepper, and chard crops are protected under the cover of solar panels. The leader of the Sonoran Desert project, biogeographer Greg Barron-Gafford, mentioned that the agrivoltaic solar system provides an “evaporative cooling effect.” This helps the plants remain cool, but also improves their efficiency.  

The U.S. Department of Energy project known as InSPIRE, works to gather data from various agrivoltaic sites, measuring both energy output and crop production yields. This network of agrivoltaic solar sites allows researchers to gather important data that can help them determine how to make the union between #solar energy and agriculture even more efficient. Barron-Gafford, whose Sonoran Desert project is a part of the InSPIRE, stated that 2019 is the year that agrivoltaics will really take off. The weather extremes of 2018 have left Barron-Gafford and many other officials in the solar energy community confident that agrivoltaics are only just beginning to take off. In agreeance with Barron-Gafford, Jordan Macknick of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory told Wired.com that their agrivoltaic solar research sites will be expanding greatly in 2019. He is predicting that with the data they are collecting, in addition to the efforts from solar energy researchers worldwide, agrivoltaics is “poised to explode.” 

Globally, countries like Japan, China, Germany, Italy, and many others have begun experimenting with agrivoltaic solar systems, especially in countries where limited land space is becoming a growing concern, such as in Japan. There are more than 1,000 agrivoltaic solar plants in Japan alone and contracts have been signed in preparation for the construction of more agrivoltaic sites in 2019. 

 Resources: 

http://www.timescall.com/longmont-local-news/ci_32535533/potential-marriage-between-solar-power-agriculture-beehives-be-studied-outside-longmont 

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/energy-agrivoltaic-farms 

LEGO Purchases U.S. Solar Power Builder

Many don’t know this, but back in 2017, it was announced that the #LEGO company reached their 100 percent renewable energy objective three years ahead of schedule. The company has demonstrated an obvious interest in renewable, clean #energy, to include wind and solar power projects, and a desire to create a better, cleaner future for builders and innovators of tomorrow. LEGO works with such partners as the WWF Climate Savers programme. There is a clear desire to go #solar!   

The #LEGO Group even holds a Guinness World Records title, having built the planet’s biggest LEGO brick wind turbine. It was made using 146,000 LEGO bricks. How cool is that? Clearly, the LEGO Group has a focus on clean energy, to include #solar power. And now, they are taking things a step further regarding solar interests… 

LEGO Buys Solar Project Developer 

The owner of LEGO has purchased a US solar power project developer. #KIRKBI is a company you might not have previously heard of, but it’s a holding company that makes investments for the founding family of LEGO. KIRKBI has attained the majority stake of a subsidiary of #Enerparc known as Enerparc U.S. Interests of KIRKBI include real estate and numerous offshore wind assets.  

The United States subsidiary of German company Enerparc has 100MW of solar PV capacity in operation. Universally, this company has built 2.5GW of solar power capacity.  

As previously mentioned, back in 2017, LEGO made some major moves toward clean energy/solar. As of this time, the company was powered completely by renewables such as solar power. This is certainly work talking about.  

LEGO has really been an innovative company since the beginning. Back in the 1940’s, the company switched from wooden iconic bricks to using a plastic injection molding machine. It was, without doubt, a risky move, but it was worth making.  

LEGO: A Solar Impact 

The LEGO empire is vastly controlled by the #Kirk Kristiansen family, as they have a 75 percent stake in the company. The KIRKBI fund is utilized in order to direct money toward activities that meet specific standards, for instance, having a net positive impact on the environment.  

The chief investment officer for KIRKBI A/S, #Thomas Lau Schleicher, stated that KIRKBI has a unique opportunity because of their majority stake in Enerparc Inc. They can take ownership in a corporation with an established commercial, operational and scalable platform, bringing solar power to numerous people. He communicated the desire to work closely with the team at Enerparc Inc. to help support the company’s growth in the US solar power industry.  

As mentioned, Enerparc U.S. has at least 100MW of power producing capacity. Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of LEGO A/S and the principal shareholder of the LEGO Group, has a net worth of more than $4.5 billion, so he certainly has the ability to supercharge build-out at Enerparc, if he wishes to do so.  

A Commitment to a Solar-Friendly Economy 

Chief Executive Officer of Enerparc Inc, Florent Abadie, discussed building a solar PV portfolio with the ability to power 20,000 homes across America, and highlighted excitement regarding welcoming KIRKBI to Enerparc Inc as a majority stakeholder. Abadie mentioned being committed to serving partners, clients and suppliers while pursuing a growth strategy, with the end goal of helping the transition to a greener, more solar friendly economy. Going solar is a clear win!  

There has been a clear surge in corporate interest in solar power in America. Many are now under long term power purchase agreements, sometimes referred to as PPA’s, to procure electricity from solar power projects. This allows for more certainty in terms of cost. Even major corporations such as Google and Facebook have invested money into solar projects.  

Who would have thought a toy corporation would purchase a solar developer? Well, the owners behind LEGO undoubtedly thought this would be a great idea, as they have now acquired the majority stake in a popular United States solar developer. Continue to follow solar news to stay on top of the latest solar developments, including major companies making big moves toward a cleaner, healthier planet. There are many exciting things happening in the world of solar!  

 Sources: 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnparnell/2019/03/29/lego-buys-u-s-solar-power-builder/6b4ffb7f6e0f

https://www.pv-tech.org/news/lego-lays-first-brick-in-solar-empire-with-enerparc-us-acquisition

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/03/the-owners-behind-lego-acquire-majority-stake-in-u-s-solar-developer/

https://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/news-room/2017/may/100-percent-renewable-milestone