Local communities have a significant role to play in accelerating the adoption of critical distributed energy resources (DERs) for both residential and commercial use.
Leveraging established and emerging programs can help drive the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape. Here are some strategies that local communities can employ to promote the adoption of DERs:
Solarize Campaigns
Building on the success of “Solarize Campaigns,” local communities can tailor these initiatives to support not only rooftop solar adoption but also solar+storage systems. These campaigns can prioritize lower-income communities, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are accessible to all.
SolarAPP+ can be adapted to simplify and expedite the permitting process for solar and storage installations.
Heat Pumps and EVs
Distributed energy resources like heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs) contribute to local resilience. Heat pumps offer more efficient heating and cooling, reducing strain on the local grid or microgrids and serving as valuable backup systems.
Local governments can collaborate with organizations to scale residential heat pump adoption through targeted programs and community outreach.
Similarly, initiatives aimed at promoting EV adoption, including used EVs, can enhance individual and fleet resilience, especially with vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning that offer backup power capabilities.
Funding and Incentives
Various funding sources and incentives can support these initiatives:
- Rooftop solar and battery campaigns can tap into the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which now covers 30% of solar+storage or standalone storage project costs.
- Heat pump programs can leverage the High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program, providing coverage for heat pump costs in low- and moderate-income households. The Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit offers support for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
- Clean vehicle tax credits provided by the Innovative Resilient Energy Efficiency (IRA) program are available for residents, businesses, and local governments. These incentives cover new and used EVs and now include direct pay options for local governments.
By strategically utilizing these funding opportunities and programs, local communities can drive widespread adoption of DERs, thereby enhancing energy resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering sustainable energy practices.
Collaborative efforts among governments, organizations, and communities are essential for achieving these goals and creating a more sustainable energy future.
Urban Nature as a Means of Energy Needs Reduction
Urban forests and natural ecosystems play a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency and resilience in communities, often being overlooked as valuable resources.
These ecosystems offer a range of benefits that contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change:
Stormwater Management
Urban forests and natural systems provide effective stormwater management, helping to prevent costly flood damage during heavy rainfall and storms. Features like bioswales, native plants, and strategically designed landscapes can channel and absorb excess water, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding in communities.
Climate Resilience
Babcock Ranch’s success in weathering Hurricane Ian demonstrates the importance of locally adapted native species in reducing flood damage.
These native plants, along with other natural features, helped manage runoff and protect houses from flooding. Such resilience strategies are crucial for communities facing increasing climate-related challenges.
Energy Savings
Urban forests and natural green spaces contribute to energy savings through their cooling effects. Urban heat islands, where cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, can lead to increased energy consumption for cooling.
Planting trees and creating green spaces can significantly lower temperatures, making neighborhoods more comfortable and reducing the demand for air conditioning.
Cooling Effect
Urban canopies created by trees and greenery can be notably cooler than treeless areas. Streets lined with trees can be significantly cooler, reducing the heat island effect. This natural cooling effect is particularly beneficial for lower-income individuals who may not have access to air conditioning and rely more on walking, biking, or public transportation.
Funding Opportunities
Various funding resources are available to support projects that harness the power of urban forests and natural systems for resilience and sustainability. The Innovative Resilient Energy Efficiency (IRA) program allocates funds for the Urban and Community Forestry Program.
Moreover, initiatives like the “Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants” and the “Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program” under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) offer additional opportunities for communities to invest in nature-based solutions.
By recognizing and investing in the potential of urban forests and natural ecosystems, communities can not only enhance energy efficiency and resilience but also create more livable and sustainable environments for their residents.
These nature-based solutions contribute to a holistic approach to addressing climate challenges while improving overall quality of life.