In Depth

30 Times More Jobs from Rooftop Solar, Utility Filing Says

30 Times More Jobs from Rooftop Solar, Utility Filing Says

John Farrell

April 30, 2021

Tucked into a proposal from Xcel Energy, the state's largest electric company, was a comparison of two proposed solar projects: one, a giant solar array on the site of a closing coal plant; the other, a small collection of rooftop solar projects to serve low-income residents. In a nondescript table was a bombshell revelation about the relative economic benefits of solar at small scale: for every million the utility proposed spending on rooftop solar, it would create 30 times more jobs than $1 million spent on utility-scale solar.  READ MORE


Recently Posted

Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Roadblocks in the Rooftop Revolution — Episode 132 of Local Energy Rules

Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Roadblocks in the Rooftop Revolution — Episode 132 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

June 16, 2021

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules podcast, host John Farrell and guest Danny Kennedy discuss rooftop solar revolutions, Kennedy’s work at New Energy Nexus, and the importance of innovation in the energy sector.  READ MORE


In the Star Tribune: Wrong Incentives Drive Energy Decisions in Minnesota, Most States

In the Star Tribune: Wrong Incentives Drive Energy Decisions in Minnesota, Most States

Jess Del Fiacco

June 8, 2021

In the Star Tribune, ILSR Co-Director and Director of the Energy Democracy Initiative John Farrell explains that thanks to a lack of competition, Minnesota energy companies have little incentive to invest in clean energy.  READ MORE


Why Minnesota’s Community Solar Program is the Best

Why Minnesota's Community Solar Program is the Best

John Farrell

June 7, 2021

Minnesota's community solar program hit 797 megawatts in May 2021, enough to power more than 100,000 homes each year or about as much capacity as a typical nuclear power plant!  READ MORE


Voices of 100%: In Case of Emergency, Break Down Barriers to Net Zero — Episode 131 of Local Energy Rules

Voices of 100%: In Case of Emergency, Break Down Barriers to Net Zero — Episode 131 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

June 3, 2021

For this Voices of 100% episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell talks with guests Mark Gamba and Natalie Rogers of Milwaukie, Oregon. In 2020, the city declared a climate emergency and accelerated its climate action goals.  READ MORE


The Role of Antitrust Law in Creating Energy Justice — Episode 127 of Building Local Power

The Role of Antitrust Law in Creating Energy Justice — Episode 127 of Building Local Power

Jess Del Fiacco

May 27, 2021

On this episode of Building Local Power, ILSR Co-Director John Farrell interviews Jean Su, director of the Center for Biological Diversity's Energy Justice program.  READ MORE