Carl Kasalek

For anyone who will be at IEEE Power & Energy Society T&D Conference feel free to stop by our panel session on #EVs and #gridreliability. Will be an interesting cross-sector discussion including technology provider, independent system operator, and utility perspectives among others. E-mobility is driving the blending of Transmission and Distribution system planning, design, and operations. Particularly with the growing prevalence of distributed energy resources, IoT and grid-edge technologies, and virtual power plants (#VPPs).

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**🌞 California’s Community Solar Struggles: What It Means for You 🌎** - ✅ **Community Solar Aims to Improve Accessibility:** California’s community solar program, designed to make solar energy available to renters and families unable to install panels, is facing unexpected roadblocks. - ✅ **Legislation Set High Expectations:** Assembly Bill 2316 (AB 2316) was enacted to expand community solar projects and align with the state’s clean energy targets using federal "Solar for All" funding. However, complications have slowed progress. - ✅ **Impacts on Homeowners and Solar Adoption:** The delays within the program serve as a cautionary tale for homeowners and solar enthusiasts when considering the complexities behind solar policies and incentives. California’s community solar program was intended to be a game-changer, extending affordable solar options to all residents, including renters and low-income households. While this initiative had ambitious goals through the introduction of AB 2316 in 2022, a tangled web of regulatory challenges and funding distribution issues has taken center stage. Stakeholders, including residents and solar companies, are waiting for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to provide clarity on how to move forward effectively. For homeowners considering traditional solar panel installation

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Grid Reliability Impacts of EV Charging-Two Important Initiatives-Call for Engagement Several years ago, with the support of EnerTech Capital, the California Mobility Center, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), WECC and other organizations, I was fortunate to be involved in helping to form and manage a working group focused on increasing cross sector collaboration to better understand and mitigate potential adverse impacts of EV charging. In April 2022, a CMC working group published a paper including a number of grid friendly charging recommendations, as well as highlighted the need for more robust technical collaboration between the electric industry and EV OEMs and real-world data to both support and build on recommendations regarding grid friendly charging behaviors. I'm highlighting two recent initiatives and encouraging ongoing technical engagement and support from experts in utility, automotive, communications, software, consulting, and related fields. NERC is proposing to stand up an electric vehicle task force under its industry led Reliability Security Technical Committee. The task force deliverables over 2 years include reports regarding bulk power system reliability risks, a technical report on EV charging states and type tests, improvements in EV charging load modeling, and recommendations regarding interconnection requirements. For more information contact [email protected] or [email protected] In addition, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute recently made available a paper entitled “Exploratory Pilot: Analyzing Grid and EV Interactions Through Measuring Driving Behavior, Charging Behavior and Electricity.”  James Sayer and Eric Wingfield led the work for UMTRI, together with Taylor Spalt from Utilidata. The pilot monitored ten vehicles for operational data over 86 days at 8 public charging locations outfitted with Utilidata’s meter adapters. Among the observations was that during specific charging events, EVs generated increased power loss, contributed to voltage loss, and created unfriendly grid responses among other effects. Further research is recommended to support the assessment of potential broader grid impacts, as well as improve modeling. These observations are consistent with the findings contained in the CMC working group report. The paper also included observations regarding charging behaviors and impacts. Continued stakeholder supported research by UMTRI is critical and can help inform the NERC EV Task Force initiative. Please reach out to Eric Wingfiled at UMTRI for a copy of the paper. He may be reached at [email protected] Fostering electric system reliability is critical to the success and reputation of the automotive and utility industries.  Getting this type of collaboration off the ground and maintaining momentum is not easy, especially given the pressing challenges facing both industries. Please lean in. Your support is critical.

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Join our next Green Energy Series webinar this Saturday, September 7th, and learn about unique solar installations in community spaces. Register for the webinar on the Solar Oregon Eventbrite page. #solar #solarenergy #solareducation #solarplusstorage #homebatterystorage #greenenergy #climateaction #renewableenergy #renewables #freewebinars #solarworkshops

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Its a little silly to change policy to one that encourages local batteries. 1) the batteries, themselves, have embodied carbon in them; 2) for the 30-40% of your nightly needs that are met by the battery, you lose 20% of the power that you first charged the batteries with. From an engineering perspective, AT MOST, the transmission/distribution grid loses is 5% (assuming that daytime solar is not curtailed). It makes a ton more sense for the grid to buy back, at reasonable prices, the excess from residential roofs. Local Texas grid is showing negative prices, so a Clean Energy Factor (or a clever app), could tell people that now (9:30AM) is the time to charge EVs. See ERCOT price chart:

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As interest in renewable energy continues to rise, many homeowners are turning to solar panel systems to reduce their carbon footprints and save on energy bills. However, selecting the right solar company can be tough. In our blog, we’ll explore the elements the best solar companies exhibit to help you narrow down your options. #solar #californiasolar #solarenergy #aztecsolar #sacramentosolar

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Sustainability requires Microgrids

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California's Solar Surplus: A Roadmap for a Resilient, Low-Carbon Future The recent article discussing California's solar power challenges highlights the growing pains states may encounter as they transition to renewable energy. However, it's crucial to recognize that these challenges are manageable. California's surplus solar power presents a unique opportunity to build a more resilient grid, reduce carbon emissions, and create innovative financial mechanisms to drive the clean energy transition forward. One key solution is to invest in transmission infrastructure, enabling surplus solar power export to other states. By sharing clean energy across state lines, California can help its neighbors reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring its solar resources are fully utilized. This strategy reduces the need for curtailment and negative prices and fosters regional cooperation in the fight against climate change. California could explore innovative policy mechanisms that link infrastructure development to carbon emissions reductions to finance these transmission investments. By quantifying the CO2 avoided through solar power exports and assigning a monetary value to those reductions, the state could offer carbon credits (offsets) or other financial support to transmission project developers. This approach recognizes the environmental and social benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creates a powerful incentive for investment in clean energy infrastructure. Furthermore, California's surplus solar power presents a unique opportunity to create a new carbon offset market. By establishing a framework for quantifying, verifying, and certifying the CO2 reductions achieved through solar power exports, the state could issue carbon credits that companies can purchase to offset their emissions. The carbon credit market would provide a new revenue stream to finance transmission investments while supporting corporate sustainability efforts. Moreover, by addressing the root causes of the state's solar power challenges, California can help prevent the kind of supply shortages and blackouts that have plagued the state in recent years. A more interconnected grid with greater regional cooperation and resource sharing can help balance supply and demand, ensuring reliable electricity. As other states look to follow California's lead in deploying solar power and other renewables, they should view the state's experiences not as cautionary tales but as valuable lessons. By embracing innovative solutions and regional cooperation, states can overcome the challenges of the clean energy transition and build a more sustainable, resilient future for all. #climatesmart #solar #carboncredits #powergrid

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🌞 Empowering Tribal Communities Through Solar Microgrids! 🌞 TribalMicrogrids.com is dedicated to supporting Tribal Nations on their journey toward energy sovereignty. Our Free Tribal Solar Basics guide is designed to demystify and navigate the unique aspects of microgrids and solar energy solutions tailored for Native communities. In the first 6 of the 14 modules we cover: 🔹 Microgrid Fundamentals – Understand the core concepts and benefits for tribal communities.   🔹 Design & Planning – Learn the essentials of microgrid design, load assessment, and resource evaluation.   🔹 Technology & Innovation – Discover cutting-edge advancements, from battery storage to smart controls.   🔹 Implementation & Construction – Explore strategies for efficient, disruption-free installation.   🔹 Operations & Maintenance – Keep systems running smoothly with our troubleshooting and maintenance insights.   🔹 Funding Resources – Find the financial support needed, from federal grants to private investment options. This resource is part of our commitment to empowering Native communities with the tools, knowledge, and guidance to achieve energy independence. 🌱✨ Explore more at TribalMicrogrids.com and join us in supporting sustainable, renewable solutions for Indigenous communities! #TribalMicrogrids #NativeEnergy #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #EnergySovereignty #Sustainability #IndigenousInnovation #MicrogridSolutions

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Covering 70% of the total charging infrastructure costs is a strong incentive for companies to electrify now. It’s interesting how Revolv is well-positioned to transition their customers' fleets to EVs.

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Most interesting article this morning about the complexities of setting #rates, energy demand vs supply timing, the work of PUCs (Public Utility Commissions - in this case California's), all in the context of #renewable energy. Key concepts are #curtailment (throwing away) of power 😮because of the #duckcurve (less demand than supply of solar available) 🦆 It is a 5-minute read. Here is a summary: Solar Surplus: California has installed nearly 47 gigawatts of solar power, leading to an excess of energy on sunny days, causing electricity prices to go negative. Curtailment Issue: The state is facing the challenge of “curtailing” solar power, which means a significant amount of solar energy is being wasted. Economic Impact: Changes in net-metering policies have reduced incentives for rooftop solar, potentially slowing down solar development and affecting solar-related businesses. Future Strategies: California is exploring solutions like selling excess power to other states, increasing storage capacity, and improving transmission lines to manage the solar surplus. https://lnkd.in/gHujv7xG Strategic Business Solutions #rates

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Community solar stands as a beacon of hope for equitable clean energy. 🌞 But, is it living up to its promise? As recent insights from Wood Mackenzie's "US Solar Market Insight: 2022 Year in Review" have shown, solar energy isn't just about sustainability; it's about equity. With climate change disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, access to clean energy is a justice issue that demands our attention. A glance at studies like those by Sunter et al. (2019) and Lukanov & Krieger (2019) reveals stark disparities in solar adoption. The affluent have long benefited, while lower-income households face barriers. Thankfully, community solar projects offer a ray of hope, with innovative models proliferating across the US. Community solar has the potential to democratize energy access, as NREL's work suggests. It's not just about installing panels on rooftops; it's about co-creating solutions that consider the socioeconomic fabric of communities. By enabling shared benefits from solar generation, we empower those who've been sidelined in the clean energy revolution. Moreover, studies like Heeter et al. (2021) and Forrester et al. (2023) underscore the urgent need for policies that ensure these projects genuinely serve low and moderate-income families. What's critical now is continued advocacy, informed policy-making, and committed action to translate potential into tangible outcomes for all. Let's pivot towards a future where clean energy is not a privilege but a right - a tool for leveling the playing field. Participate in the dialogue, stay informed, and let's harness shared solar as a vehicle for environmental and social equity. #CommunitySolar #CleanEnergyAccess #EnergyEquity

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https://lnkd.in/gRqDsk5s If you want to have less of something regulate. Look at housing prices in California as an example. Most experts agree that the suggestions in this article won't make the transition happen. The better transmission lines recommended are worth serious investment. We need to be permitting and building small nukes ASAP.

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