The community solar gardens program is beginning in Colorado -get the inside scoop on how the program is developing from Solar Gardens Institute founder Joy Hughes.

1. Joy Hughes – Solar Gardens Institute Solar Gardens development in Colorado

2. Sprouting up Everywhere Maps showing community solar interest

3. Saguache Solar Garden – 200 kW A private / public partnership with the Town of Saguache on a former dump site. Subscribers include town buildings, library district, low income. Charles Tidd, Solar Gardener

4. Jeffco Open Garden – 500 kW A privately owned former mine site, divided into parcels of approx. 1 acre. SPH is issuing a Solicitation of Interest for at least four solar gardens on the site. Rachel Emmer, Solar Gardener

5. Cost Control Minimize fixed cost per solar garden- KISS principle, no bells and whistles Ownership models – competitive process Minimal software needed for XCEL projects Revenue sharing and contingency pay

6. The Big Test CU Denver business students to conduct a test of solar gardens business models Considering models from all SGI members Analyze costs and benefits to subscribers, hosts, and investors / sponsors

7. Model for Smaller Arrays: University Park, Maryland LLC Legal documents available FREE Limited to 35 members – no advertising Good for churches, HOAs, neighborhood associations Can be used to power common buildings or as a solar garden

8. Low and Mid Income Subscribers A Colorado Cooperative Small investors provide “sponsorship” for subscribers in any solar garden (including Clean Energy Collective and others) Might be used as subscriber organization - third party finance needed ( C3PO ) for tax purposes Broad securities exemption under Colorado law

9. Call for Projects! Solar gardens or community supported arrays of any size Consulting from the SPH “Dream Team” Least cost / best fit ownership models – low overhead Use your own equipment / finance / installers – or use ours

10. SGI’s Mission To educate the public about community solar energy. To promote community solar energy legislation at the federal level and in each state To assist local organizations in organizing, developing, and managing community-owned solar energy projects everywhere. To make affordable solar energy available for all humanity

11. Solar Gardener Program Original Gardener Gary Nystedt– Ellensburg Community Renewable Park A solar gardener is a grassroots community organizer and project manager Receive training, tools, mutual aid Participate in Governance “Sweat Equity” – paid in panels

12. Legislation in Play SB 843 – California “solar gardens” Template law for Maryland and more SUN Act – Tax credit for subscribers Restoration of PACE

14. Elect board and officers for SGI

15. Adopt mission, founding principles, initial goals

17. SGI Membership Corporate - 500 kW+ $1000 Integrator - 100-500 kW $500 Community – under 100 kW $250 Nonprofit $100 Individual $25