Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has had a long history and has gained significance. It has become an annual celebration of the planet’s natural beauty and raises awareness of environmental stewardship. It is time to consider how human activity affects the environment and to take steps to safeguard the earth. This blog article will examine Earth Day’s origins and solar energy’s contribution.

Discover the History of Earth Day and its Connection to Solar Energy

The History of Earth Day

U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, a well-known environmentalist, founded Earth Day. Senator Nelson saw the devastation caused by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and was inspired to create a national day to promote environmental awareness and action. 

First Earth Day celebration on April 22, 1970.

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans participated in rallies, marches, and educational programs focused on reducing pollution, oil spills, and other environmental issues. These events led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has played a vital role in regulating industrial activity and protecting the environment through the passage of fundamental environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

Since then, Earth Day has become a worldwide celebration, with millions of individuals from various nations and cultures participating in events that support environmental preservation and sustainability. People can band together on this day and alter the world by supporting effective change.

Earth Day Quick Facts

When is Earth Day?

First Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Since then, Earth Day has been observed on April 22.

Who celebrates Earth Day?

Earth Day is recognized as the largest secular observance in the world. 

Who came up with the idea for Earth Day?

Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin founded Earth Day.

Impact of Solar Energy on Earth Day

Solar energy has played a significant role in shaping the legacy of Earth Day. As a clean and renewable energy source, solar power has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a cleaner environment.

According to the International Energy Agency, renewable energy accounted for 90% of the new power capacity added worldwide in 2021. Solar power was the leading renewable energy source, with a record 250 GW of new capacity installed in 2021. Declining costs and increasing demand for clean energy have driven this growth.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that the United States has the potential to generate 39,000 TWh of solar energy per year, which is more than double the country’s current electricity consumption. This shows the immense potential of solar energy to drive sustainable development and combat climate change.

3 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Using Solar Energy

  • Go Solar: Installing solar panels on your home or supporting community solar projects is a great way to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. Consider changing your home’s energy supplier to one that uses renewable resources.
  • Reduce Energy Consumption: Conserving energy is an essential part of sustainable living. You can reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and adjusting your thermostat to conserve energy.
  • Advocate for Solar Energy: Advocating for solar energy is a great way to raise awareness and promote change. You can contact your elected officials and urge them to support solar energy policies, write letters to the editor of your local newspaper, or participate in community events to spread awareness about the benefits of solar energy.

Earth Day: A Meaningful Occasion to Honor Our Planet

Earth Day is a momentous occasion that encourages sustainability and environmental conservation. It is a chance for people to work together and have a beneficial impact on the environment. The legacy of Earth Day has been greatly influenced by solar energy, which also holds the promise of promoting sustainable growth and halting climate change. We can create a better and more sustainable future for future generations if we observe Earth Day and take steps to protect the environment.

Effective April 15, 2023, California will officially begin the Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) program. NEM 3.0 has replaced the NEM 2.0 program and brought substantial changes to the solar industry in the state. These significant changes will affect both residential and commercial solar customers in California. In this article, we will discuss what NEM 3.0 is, who it affects, and how to succeed in a NEM 3.0 affected industry.

What this article covers:

FAQ NEM 3.0

What is Net Energy Metering (NEM)? 

A regulation that enables owners of solar energy systems to receive credits for any extra electricity they produce and deliver to the grid.

What is NEM 3.0? 

This is California’s third iteration of the Net Energy Metering policy. 

What will NEM 3.0 do? 

Net metering compensation rates for new California solar customers will drop by nearly 75% under NEM 3.0. 

Who will NEM 3.0 affect? 

Utilities: As per NEM 3.0, utilities will have more discretion over the amount of money they give owners of solar energy systems in exchange for the extra energy they generate based on its value, determined by the avoided cost to the utility of buying clean energy elsewhere.

Owners of solar energy systems: 

  • First, it pays Net Billing customers for the electricity they export to the grid based on its value, determined by the avoided cost to the utility of buying clean energy elsewhere. 
  • Second, charges Net Billing customers for the electricity they receive from the grid based on high differential time-of-use rates.
  • Third, creates a Grid Participation Charge based on the size of the solar system to ensure that Net Billing customers are paying the same fixed costs of the electric grid as non-Net Billing customers.

When does NEM 3.0 go into effect? 

April 15th, 2023

Is NEM 3.0 retroactive?

NEM 3.0 isn’t retroactive. The grandfathered clients cannot be affected retroactively by NEM 3.0 now that it has passed.

Will NEM 3.0 Affect NEM 2.0 Solar Energy System Owners?

How will NEM 3.0 affect NEM 2.0 solar energy system owners? 

Users of solar energy systems who have installed and are already using their solar energy system are grandfathered into NEM 2.0. As a result, for 20 years following the date of interconnection, residential and commercial solar customers that get credits under the NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0 programs will continue to receive the same export rate.

Can NEM 2.0 solar energy system owners increase their system size?

Solar energy system owners can make up to 10% changes to their solar systems while maintaining their current rate structure. Any increase over this point will result in NEM 3.0 rates for both residential and business users. 

If current NEM 2.0 solar energy system owners add battery storage after NEM 3.0, will that affect their rates? 

NEM 3.0 allows NEM 2.0 owners of solar energy systems to add battery storage in the future and retain their NEM 2.0 status. 

How to succeed in a NEM 3.0 affected industry?

NEM 3.0 will affect solar panel owners in several ways. Despite the changes, there are still ways for solar panel owners to succeed in the NEM 3.0 era. Here are some incentives to help combat NEM 3.0:

Install a battery: Save on Storage with the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

SGIP provides businesses and homeowners in California an upfront rebate for installing an energy storage system. This incentive is a tiered-block program, meaning that the incentive values decline over time as more battery installations occur throughout the state. In addition, the rebate value also depends on the size of the battery installed.

Check out the current block per utility here: https://www.selfgenca.com/home/program_metrics/ 

New Solar Panel Owners: Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) 

ITC provides homeowners with a 30% tax credit for solar installations from 2022-2032.

Learn more about ITC here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics 

Explore a full range of renewable energy-related incentives here: https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/ca 

In conclusion, NEM 3.0 is a significant change to California’s solar energy market. While the program will bring some challenges, there are still ways to succeed in the industry. Leverage federal and state incentives to lower costs and combat NEM 3.0 rates. 

Sources 

https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/demand-side-management/net-energy-metering/nem-revisit 

https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/demand-side-management/net-energy-metering

https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/demand-side-management/net-energy-metering/nem-revisit/net-billing-tariff-fact-sheet