2019 Community Power Scorecard

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance has released its “Community Power Scorecard,” an assessment of state policies that encourage clean local energy development. The top ranking states, in order, are Massachusetts, California, New York and Illinois. Not surprisingly, these same states are also moving ahead rapidly with other renewable energy initiatives including storage incentives and policies that facilitate the development of microgrids.

India’s Microgrid Market: Ready for Takeoff

India is a leader in renewable energy among developing countries and recently completed the world’s largest solar park. But beyond utility-scale installations, India is also working on a plan to build 10,000 microgrids to deliver energy access to the millions of people who still don’t have it. It’s no surprise that – of over 190 countries – India is also HOMER Energy’s second largest user base:

Santa Cruz Solar Company Moves Off the Grid, Using HOMER Pro to Design New Microgrid

Sandbar Solar, a Northern California solar developer and contractor, has unveiled a new microgrid that will power its newly constructed corporate headquarters in the middle of the city of Santa Cruz, one of the few projects of its kind in the US. The islanded off-grid electricity system, which was modeled using HOMER Pro, is designed to serve the solar installer’s complete electricity needs:

Navigant Report: Blockchain Establishes Secure Foundation for Distributed Energy

A new Navigant report concludes that blockchain technology will play an important role in the management and improved security of distributed energy. Characterized by decentralization, a growing number of diverse, interconnected resources, and the increasing use of digital technologies, distributed energy needs a framework for improved cyber security at both the network and device level, says Navigant Research.

Improving Energy Access in Rural Africa Depends on Renewable Energy Microgrids

African countries are making rapid progress in adopting renewable energy and in fact, it is developing countries that are now leading the global transition to clean energy. However, energy access in Africa is still a huge problem for two thirds of the population, mostly for people who live in rural areas. The good news is that renewable energy microgrids are the fastest, most cost-effective path to electrification. That’s why several African countries have ambitious plans to expand microgrid investment

HOMER Energy Among Finalists for Prestigious Ashden Award

HOMER Energy is proud to be listed among 19 “long list” finalists for an “Ashden Award,” a UK prize rewarding organizations that contribute to the global sustainable energy transformation by introducing new technologies and business models. If awarded the prize, HOMER Energy would use it to expand training in developing countries.

Business Models Key to Successful Microgrids in Nepal

Currently, only 11% of Nepal’s rural population of about 23 million people has access to electricity. And many people who live in remote villages still subsist on kerosene and batteries. But, pioneering Nepalese renewable energy developer has spent almost a decade tackling the electricity challenge in Nepal. They have an impressive track record and some key lessons to pass along.