In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague hosts a special live webinar with Austin Carr, founder and president of Greenlink Energy Solutions, and Jim Keeling, a business attorney and partner at Hinshaw law, both based in Rockford, Illinois.
They discuss the opportunities and challenges of behind-the-meter solar PV installations for churches and universities in Northern Illinois. Austin and Jim share insights from their recent successful solar projects at Our Savior Lutheran Church and Rockford University.
They provide an in-depth look at the process of developing commercial solar projects for organizations like churches and universities. This includes evaluating potential sites, designing the solar array, navigating available incentive programs like Illinois Shines and Solar for All, and working through financing options from cash purchases to third-party ownership models like PPAs.
A key focus is the generous federal tax credits and state incentives that make solar highly economical for tax-exempt entities like nonprofits and educational institutions in Illinois. The guests walk through the financials of the church and university installations to illustrate the remarkable return on investment achievable.
They also cover stakeholder engagement best practices, as securing buy-in across decision-makers is critical for such installations. The potential benefits of adding energy storage to further reduce costs and improve resilience are discussed as well.
Overall, it provides a comprehensive roadmap for similar organizations looking to go solar and take advantage of supportive policies aimed at accelerating clean energy adoption in markets like Illinois. Selecting qualified installers who understand the intricacies of available incentives is highlighted as a key success factor.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-carr-82719a124/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-keeling-546a0a10/
http://www.usgreenlink.com/
https://sustainrockford.org/event/solar-conference-expo/
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00:00 - Introduction
04:37 - Austin Carr's Opening Remarks
06:28 - Jim Keeling's Opening Remarks
8:50 - Overview of Solar Incentives in Illinois
11:23 - Why Churches & Universities Are Going Solar
16:06 - Overview of Our Savior Lutheran Church Project
24:12 - Steps in Developing a Commercial Solar Project
27:38 - Rockford University Solar Project Overview
37:59 - Challenges Faced in Working on the Two Massive Projects
45:38 - Financing Options for Solar Projects
54:58 - Benefits of Commercial Energy Storage
58:21 - Closing Remarks from Speakers
