Francis Hodsoll, Author at SolUnesco

Revisiting the Composite Index of Virginia

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-12-20T14:53:10-05:00December 20th, 2018|Industry, Land Use, Virginia Solar|

By Francis Hodsoll and Aaron Morrow In a series of blogs in March and April 2017, we discussed the Composite Index (CI) and the impact that solar energy facilities (solar projects) have on the calculation of the CI. In turn, we discussed some of the possible repercussions of the CI policy concerning the awarding of solar project permits. We continue to run across fundamental misunderstandings when it comes to the impact of solar projects on the CI calculation. To offer

Join SolUnesco in Supporting the Boys and Girls of Greensville County

Charitable Giving, Company Update, Industry, Virginia Solar

Join SolUnesco in Supporting the Boys and Girls of Greensville County

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-10-02T14:14:59-04:00September 27th, 2018|Charitable Giving, Company Update, Industry, Virginia Solar|

As we describe on our Charitable Giving page, SolUnesco is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. Our Meherrin Solar project is located in Greensville County, on the outskirts of Emporia, Virginia. We have chosen to support the Boys and Girls Club of Emporia, which is currently raising money to re-establish its presence in the County. Changes in Emporia and Greensville, Virginia When small family-owned businesses were prevalent in the Emporia/Greensville area of Southside Virginia, it was easy

Local Permitting, SolUnesco’s 101

Land Use, Virginia Solar

Local Permitting, SolUnesco’s 101

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-03-05T20:24:56-05:00January 29th, 2018|Land Use, Virginia Solar|

January 29, 2018 By Francis Hodsoll For nearly a decade, my business partner and I have devoted our hearts and considerable time to developing a sustainable solar energy market in Virginia. However, the local permitting process poses a significant risk to the long-term viability of the market. In this companion piece to Seth’s previous blog post on our successful permitting experience in Orange County, Virginia, we offer our perspectives on local permitting and the concerns typically raised by local communities.

Solar Power Southeast: Does Passion + Wisdom = Resilience?

Company Update, Industry, Southeast, Virginia Solar

Solar Power Southeast: Does Passion + Wisdom = Resilience?

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-03-05T20:43:18-05:00May 31st, 2017|Company Update, Industry, Southeast, Virginia Solar|

Despite scary challenges, strength and optimism While the Suniva trade case – potentially a devastating price increase especially for utility-scale – loomed largely, attendees eagerly packed presentations. The audience’s questions provided an interesting barometer to the psyche in the room. Participants focused on where we are going and how to get there. Further, the evolving business models continue to pry open market segments. We are tenacious! Even in markets dominated by utilities such as Florida Power & Light, some competitors

The Composite Index, Problem Solved!

Company Update, Policy, Virginia Solar

The Composite Index, Problem Solved!

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-06-08T10:38:04-04:00April 18th, 2017|Company Update, Policy, Virginia Solar|

We have good news! On April 6th Virginia’s Tax Commissioner, Craig M. Burns, issued a letter clarifying the valuation of solar projects within the Composite Index. The bottom line: these solar farms will provide a net revenue benefit to the county. As previously stated, bureaucratic bookkeeping could have inadvertently ground Virginia solar development to a halt by reducing county revenue when new solar farms are built. The following is the third of three installments highlighting SolUnesco’s research on the Virginia

The Composite Index and How it Relates to Solar Development in Virginia, Part One:

Company Update, Policy, Virginia Solar

The Composite Index and How it Relates to Solar Development in Virginia, Part One:

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-08-10T12:14:00-04:00March 29th, 2017|Company Update, Policy, Virginia Solar|

Bureaucratic bookkeeping may inadvertently grind Virginia solar development to a halt. The state government is assessing this issue and we understand a decision will be issued in due course. This is the first of three installments highlighting SolUnesco’s research on the Virginia Composite Index and its impact on solar electric generation. To download our complete findings, click here.

The Composite Index and How it Relates to Solar Development in Virginia, Part Two:

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-08-10T15:08:43-04:00March 2nd, 2017|Company Update, Policy, Virginia Solar|

Bureaucratic bookkeeping may inadvertently grind Virginia solar development to a halt. The State government is assessing this issue, and we understand the state will issue a decision in due course. The following is the second of three installments highlighting SolUnesco’s research on the Virginia Composite Index and its impact on solar electric generation. To download our complete findings, click here HOW IS SOLAR TAXED? Covered in Part One of this series, the Composite Index (CI) may ignore the solar tax exemption

Powered by Facts: Letter to Supporters

Policy, Virginia Solar

Powered by Facts: Letter to Supporters

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-03-02T00:20:48-05:00December 28th, 2016|Policy, Virginia Solar|

Our friend Karen Schaufeld, Powered by Facts, published the following open letter in support of solar electricity. Powered by Facts, MDV-SEIA (the regional solar trade association) and the electric utilities have spent the last eight months developing a consensus view on a broad range of issues impacting the deployment of solar energy in Virginia. SolUnesco has supported this process and supports the Bills forthcoming from this process.

SolUnesco Talks Solar Policy and Growth in Virginia

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-08-10T12:23:48-04:00July 18th, 2016|Company Update, Policy, Virginia Solar|

On Wednesday we presented at the Virginia Association of Assessing Officers (VAAO) Property Assessment Conference (Click here to download presentation). The association and their conferences provide continuing education to the Virginia community of assessors. We believe that maintaining a healthy dialogue with the professionals who determine land values for the purpose of tax assessments serves the solar industry well. Francis Hodsoll, CEO, presented on policies driving national solar markets and their application to the Virginia framework. He also explained the tremendous

Power In Numbers With Community Solar

By Francis Hodsoll|2018-08-10T14:38:00-04:00July 7th, 2016|Industry|

States in every corner of the United States are rapidly advancing the community solar market. GreenTech Media has projected that Community Solar will grow faster than any other solar market segment. The NC Clean Energy Technology Center reported in their 2016 50 States of Solar Quarterly Report that seven states adopted, amended, or reviewed rules governing community solar programs within the past year. For example, Minnesota and Maryland have implemented pilot projects that would demonstrate the benefits of community solar to customers.

About Francis Hodsoll