BLOG POSTS
Here you will find my blog writing work, mostly with ClearPath Energy. This is just a sample of the blog posts I have done- more examples can be sent upon request.
Below will be the text copy for each post. For the full effect with imagery, the web link for the posts will be posted in the caption.
Why We Don’t (and Won’t) Build on Native Land
https://www.clearpath.energy/post/why-we-dont-and-wont-build-on-native-land
2022 is gearing up to be a record year for renewable energy development, especially for the solar industry. Solar is expected to contribute to about half of all energy generating projects in 2022, according to The U.S. Energy Information Administration. With several of our community solar projects expected to be in service we are excited to be part of this solar growth. As our country continues the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, there's a major topic that has not been talked about- native land.
At one point in North America there were upwards of six hundred native tribes- long before the Mayflower landed, long before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, long before greed took hold.
This greed still takes hold to this day. Native land has frequently been taken (by force) and utilized for coal mining and oil and gas drilling projects. Additionally, these projects have negatively affected these communities via contaminated water supplies, driving out local wildlife (thus affecting food sources,) and active disrespect of sacred culture. The native community has not been compensated fairly nor have their input been valued for major decisions that directly affect them. It's time we, as a solar company, and members of the clean energy industry, take charge and make active, conscious decisions on responsible solar development
When we are in the site review process we have to take careful consideration of the location of the site and known protected native land, sacred land, burial grounds, and anything related to the matter. If the site falls into any of those categories, we won't build there. Truly, it is against our morals as a company to do so. Luckily with the advanced software and maps available today we are able to detect these areas earlier on in the process and make informed and well-researched decisions.
It's not just about following regulations, codes, our own tried and true processes- it's about doing what is right by the community in which we aim to operate in. We believe that clean energy should be accessible to every community under the sun- and that includes native communities, and they deserve a seat at the table.
If you're interested in learning more about our process or questions about community solar in general, please send us a message at [email.]
Responsible Solar Siting: Insight into the Industry
https://www.clearpath.energy/post/responsible-solar-siting-for-developers-insight-into-the-industry
Solar energy is seeing record growth through all aspects of the industry; the number of projects, jobs, profits, and even opportunities for landowners. (If you’re interested in landowner opportunities, read more in these blog posts: 1 and 2.) We as humans are, by nature, curious and seek knowledge to be as informed as possible, and some companies in the industry refuse to inform consumers to keep them in the dark. We aren’t like that at ClearPath Energy, so here’s how we conduct responsible solar siting for our community solar sites.
The first step in responsible solar siting is prospecting potential sites. Our development and prospecting team goes through a multi-phase process looking over multiple factors such as electrical grid capacity, terrain, environmental sensitivities, local bylaws, and more for every potential site. A lot of thought and planning goes into this process to ensure that the project benefits the landowner and community while minimizing negative impacts.
During this phase, we reach out to the community and other landowners to get their feedback. We want to make sure that we’re working with the community, not against them. This also allows us to answer any questions and concerns they may have about the project and solar energy to create a longstanding relationship.
From there, our team begins detailed design work for the site. We have to consider many elements for the project to meet legal, engineering, and construction requirements for the project to get off the ground. For instance, we take a closer look at local zoning laws and ordinances for solar installation to ensure everything falls into place with our plan of installation. Once all factors are agreed upon, a site host plan and contract are signed and we can begin on the construction phase.
Of overall top importance to any process of responsible solar siting is minimizing environmental damage and risk. We make sure there are no environmental issues on site that may affect construction or operations like hazardous waste concerns, protected lands, etc. A responsibility we take on is ensuring that the project is constructed with minimal disruption to existing land uses. This responsibility and extends during the decommissioning process where we work to restore the land is left in better condition than how we started. This means coordinating very closely with local authorities responsible for public health, fire protection, and environmental agencies.
Solar developers have a responsibility to the communities they seek to enter. At ClearPath Energy we seek to reinvent the standard of the solar energy industry with our community solar projects.
Interested in working with us? Get in contact with us here and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Difference Between Community Solar and Rooftop Solar
https://www.clearpath.energy/post/difference-between-community-solar-and-rooftop-solar
We talk a lot about our community solar program (for good reasons) but there’s another side of solar energy that is more utilized- rooftop solar. Both help the cause of making New York’s energy use more environmentally-friendly and both options have their own uses, positives, and negatives. So, let’s get into the differences so you can choose which option is best for you.
COMMUNITY SOLAR
Community Solar is, in general, when homeowners and renters can buy into or sign up for a shared solar farm- meaning they "own" part of it and receive credits on their monthly electricity bills for the power produced. With ClearPath Energy's community solar program, for example, those who are interested don't buy into the community solar farm- instead, members complete a free sign up and sign a contract for their portion of the farm.
One other main difference between community solar and rooftop solar is the placement of the solar arrays. Community solar arrays are typically placed in a location that can be generally undisturbed (such as a farm, plots of land out in the country, away from busy cities.) Whereas, rooftop solar arrays are installed on any rooftop (such as places of business, homes, etc.) with optimal sunlight exposure.
ROOFTOP SOLAR
Rooftop solar is where individual homeowners and business owners have solar arrays installed on their rooftops via a third-party solar company, which can either be operated and maintained by the solar company as needed or done yourself. With this option there are other factors to consider that you don't have to with community solar. This includes factors like roof space, shade from trees or buildings around your house, age and condition of your roof, weather, etc. It is important to note that rooftop solar arrays must be installed in an area where there is optimal sunlight exposure; if not, it will not produce as much energy as desired.
Costs for rooftop solar range based on several factors, such as project size, labor needed, individual base prices from solar companies, and state and federal incentives. For instance, according to Consumer Affairs a 6-kW project would start around $15,900 at $2.86 per watt, excluding other factors.
Which option is best for you?
Both community solar and rooftop solar have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it ultimately depends on what you're looking for and your own individual circumstances to account for.
If you're looking for an option that's low-cost, low stress, and easy to sign up for, community solar is the way to go. All you have to do is find a community solar project in your area, sign up for membership, and start saving on your electricity bill. Plus, community solar projects are becoming increasingly common across the country, so it's likely that there's one near you.
Rooftop solar is a great option if you want more control over your energy spending since the solar design is based uniquely on your own home. Rooftop solar is a bigger investment which will require more planning and consideration on your end. It's also important to consider your home's sun exposure and roof condition when deciding if rooftop solar is right for you- if you have poor sun exposure and/or roof condition, rooftop solar might not be a viable option for you.
Which option is better for you really depends on what you're looking for and your own individual circumstances to account for. If you're looking for a reputable and trusted community solar company, help is out there to get you started- contact us at ClearPath Energy so we can talk to you about how it works and sign you up and start saving!