Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, discusses the high costs of rooftop solar in the U.S. compared to Australia. The podcast explores the evolution of rooftop solar companies, storage solutions, bureaucratic hurdles in solar installations, and the importance of PR in the climate tech sector. They also delve into optimizing energy generation and concerns over slow wind additions in US renewable capacity.
Rooftop solar in the US faces higher costs due to bureaucratic hurdles and varying regulations compared to Australia.
Sunrun's CEO Mary Powell emphasizes the customer-led revolution in the energy sector and the affordability of solar solutions.
Incentives and streamlined regulatory processes are essential to drive innovation and accelerate the transition to clean energy technologies.
Collaboration between utilities, regulators, and consumers is crucial for enhancing grid reliability and optimizing the value of distributed energy resources.
Deep dives
Mary Powell's Role at Sunrun and the Evolution of the Company
Mary Powell, the CEO of Sunrun, the largest rooftop solar company in the US, discussed the company's focus on providing solar, storage, and clean energy solutions to customers nationwide. Sunrun offers a subscription service for solar energy, allowing customers to generate clean energy with no money down. The company has expanded to include storage solutions, particularly in areas with grid instability, such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and California.
Challenges in the US Solar Market
Mary Powell highlighted the significant cost disparity between rooftop solar installations in the US and countries like Australia. The main driver of this cost difference is the bureaucratic hurdles in the US, with 40,000 housing jurisdictions each having unique solar processes and rules. These challenges result in lengthy and costly permitting processes, impacting the affordability of rooftop solar systems in the US.
The Future of Distributed Solar and Energy Innovation
Powell emphasized the customer-led revolution in the energy sector, advocating for energy independence and stability provided by distributed solar and storage solutions. She discussed the potential for distributed resources to enhance grid reliability and socio-economic benefits. Powell highlighted the need for utilities to adapt to changing demands and embrace distributed energy technologies to meet future energy needs more efficiently.
Creating Incentives for Energy Innovation and Grid Modernization
The discussion touched on the need for incentives to drive innovation in the energy sector and encourage the adoption of solar and battery technologies. Powell emphasized the importance of creating a seamless customer experience and streamlining regulatory processes to facilitate the transition to clean energy solutions. By aligning incentives and leveraging technologies like solar app and AI, the industry aims to unlock the value of distributed resources for both consumers and the grid.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy Transition
The conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the evolving energy landscape, with a focus on the potential for energy innovation and grid modernization. Powell and Jesse Jenkins discussed the critical role of incentives, regulatory reforms, and technological advancements in shifting towards more sustainable energy solutions. By addressing barriers and fostering collaboration between utilities, regulators, and consumers, the industry aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy and enhance grid reliability.
Renewable Energy Capacity Growth in the US
The first quarter of 2024 saw a significant increase in solar and storage capacity installations, with wind installations lagging behind. Despite challenges in the wind sector, the renewable energy industry overall witnessed positive growth in the installation of new capacity. The report emphasized the importance of addressing transmission constraints and policy support to drive further expansion of wind energy in the US.
Industry Perspective on Distributed Energy Resources
The podcast explored the evolving landscape of distributed energy resources, focusing on the role of utilities, regulators, and consumers in driving the adoption of solar and battery technologies. The discussion underscored the potential for innovation and collaboration to enhance grid reliability and optimize the value of distributed resources. By aligning incentives, streamlining regulatory processes, and leveraging emerging technologies, the industry aims to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Impact of Customer Demand on Clean Energy Revolution
Mary Powell emphasized the transformative impact of consumer demand on the clean energy revolution, highlighting the role of customers in driving innovation and grid modernization. By prioritizing customer experience, providing energy independence, and leveraging distributed energy solutions, the industry aims to meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies. The discussion underscored the importance of aligning incentives, regulatory reforms, and technological advancements to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy system.
Why isn’t rooftop solar cheaper in America? In Australia in 2024, a standard rooftop system can cost as little as $0.90 per watt. In the U.S., a similar system might go for $4 per watt. If America could come even close to Australia’s rooftop solar prices, then we would be able to decarbonize the power system much faster than we are now.
Mary Powell has the answers. She is the chief executive officer of Sunrun, a $2.6 billion company that is the largest rooftop solar and battery installer in the U.S. Sunrun has set up or managed more than 900,000 rooftop systems across the U.S. Powell previously led Green Mountain Power, Vermont’s largest investor-owned power company.
On this week’s episode of Shift Key, Rob and Jesse talk about how the rooftop solar business works and what’s driving America’s higher costs. Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University.
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