#SolarChat on US Solar Policy — The Results
November 30th, 2014 by Zachary Shahan
Originally published on Solar Love.
A couple weeks ago, I was the “featured journalist” on a massive #SolarChat on Twitter, the biggest yet. Senator Harry Reid joined in, as did the CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Rhone Resch; OFA Climate Change Campaign Manager JackShapiro; Founder of Climate Hawks Vote RL Miller; and Greentech Media Senior Editor Stephen Lacey. The topic was US solar policy.
During our one-hour chat, #SolarChat rose to the top of Twitter’s trending charts. TweetReach provided some numbers about the event, but it is limited to only the first 1,500 tweets, so it actually under-represents the impact. Nonetheless, even with that limitation, it showed that we brought in nearly 7 million impressions from 335 contributors. The contributors came in from at least 11 countries and 27 US states.
Naturally, Harry Reid dominated as the top influencer (dude has 240,000 followers):
And he was actually tweeting (see the pic below). He showed up a little late, as he had to open the Senate floor at around the same time as the start of the #SolarChat, but he offered a lot of good tweets (and I’m sure no one helped him with those 
).
Ready to join #SolarChat. pic.twitter.com/pyzC1nCUm2
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) November 12, 2014
Despite not topping the chart, @CleanTechnica was actually #2, and I (@zshahan3) was #5!
Regarding #SolarChat impressions per Twitter account, here are the numbers for the top 20 Twitter accounts:
| Tweeter | Thousand Impressions |
| SenatorReid | 1700 |
| CleanTechnica | 1500 |
| SEIA | 605 |
| RainaRusso | 552 |
| zshahan3 | 465 |
| SolarFred | 231 |
| Stphn_Lacey | 220 |
| RhoneResch | 185 |
| JigarShahDC | 101 |
| SPIConvention | 96 |
| GlennaWiseman | 89 |
| IRECUSA | 79 |
| RL_Miller | 77 |
| CarlSiegrist | 59 |
| seth_leitman | 53 |
| kendra_hubbard | 49 |
| derekmarkham | 46 |
| SolarCurator | 31 |
| NobleIdeas | 29 |
| Silvio_Marcacci | 27 |
Below were the 7 questions asked during the #SolarChat and some of my favorite responses:
Q1 What does the outcome of the midterm elections mean for solar state policy?
A1: On state level Republicans can more easily support solar. *Some* Tea Partiers have been very pro solar http://t.co/cqQS5EzRYF #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
RT: Please wave hello to #SolarChat fave Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3), chief editor at @cleantechnica, as today’s “Featured Journalist.”
— John Baldwin (@dylanexpert) November 12, 2014
A1: Conservative GOPers like Barry Goldwater Jr. support #solar. It should be bipartisan… but isn't. #SolarChat
— John Baldwin (@dylanexpert) November 12, 2014
A1 Solar is an industry, not an issue and as such we work with both Rs & Ds at both the state and federal levels. #solarchat
— Rhone Resch (@RhoneResch) November 12, 2014
A1 Hoping many newly-elected Governors will become leaders on clean domestic energy options #SolarChat
— Raina Brett Russo (@RainaRusso) November 12, 2014
A1 In some states, Gubernatorial results and elections will impact appointments for utility commissioner positions #solarchat
— Rhone Resch (@RhoneResch) November 12, 2014
A1 Hoping many newly-elected Governors will become leaders on clean domestic energy options #SolarChat
— Raina Brett Russo (@RainaRusso) November 12, 2014
A1 In some states, Gubernatorial results and elections will impact appointments for utility commissioner positions #solarchat
— Rhone Resch (@RhoneResch) November 12, 2014
A1: In UT, NV, CO & TX, large solar is beating nat. gas outside mandate. Economics may trump politics. http://t.co/m78jg8DKPT #SolarChat
— Stephen Lacey (@Stphn_Lacey) November 12, 2014
A1. There were winners and losers in the midterm elections but nothing will stop the solar revolution. #SolarChat
— Carl Siegrist (@CarlSiegrist) November 12, 2014
@wolfforPA has all the administrative authority to get $1B of new investment into new #solar and #wind projects in Pennsylvania #solarchat
— Jigar Shah (@JigarShahDC) November 12, 2014
A1: in #NC, solar has been mostly in rural areas all across the state, which means broad support-politically & economically. #SolarChat
— Yes! Solar Solutions (@YesSolarNC) November 12, 2014
Agree with Zach Shahan #SolarChat makes too much sense for people and businesses across the spectrum, will steamroll through
— Tina Casey (@TinaMCasey) November 12, 2014
A1: some Tea Party people like solar because it often goes against big utilities. Engage with libertarians more #Solarchat
— adamjohnstonwpg (@adamjohnstonwpg) November 12, 2014
A1: Kochs have declared war on clean energy. Let's protect incentives that make clean competitive with dirty subsidized fuels. #SolarChat
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) November 12, 2014
A1: #Solar is the ultimate #job creator. #SolarChat
— John Baldwin (@dylanexpert) November 12, 2014
RT @carlsiegrist: A1. There were winners and losers in the midterm elections but nothing will stop the solar revolution. #SolarChat
— John Baldwin (@dylanexpert) November 12, 2014
Q2 How can we build political power for solar post-election?
A2: People on the local level need to get involved to fight for better local/state policies, & we need to get them involved #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
A2 keep incentives for business to showcase solar, for example at stadiums, racetracks…more exposure = more support #solarchat
— Tina Casey (@TinaMCasey) November 12, 2014
A2 Don’t mourn, organize. Join @SEIA, @votesolar, @climatehawkvote. Speak out. #solarchat pic.twitter.com/hxACqmAlBN
— RL Miller (@RL_Miller) November 12, 2014
Solar power is booming. Last year 40% of electricity installed was from renewables. We now have over 400k solar installations. #SolarChat
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) November 12, 2014
A2 Get the message to the public that solar saves money and is energy of future, get them to advocate for it #SolarChat
— Rosana Francescato (@SolarRosana) November 12, 2014
A2: If you have solar on your home or you might want solar, tell your reps to stand up for clean energy. #SolarChat
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) November 12, 2014
A2: I think ppl on the right and left respond to market fairness and consumer choice. Industry will push that hard everywhere. #SolarChat
— Stephen Lacey (@Stphn_Lacey) November 12, 2014
A2 Check out SEIA's Advocacy Toolkit for more tips on how to build political power for solar: http://t.co/2mHGOA03SU #SolarChat
— Rhone Resch (@RhoneResch) November 12, 2014
A2 EPA Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule/ Carbon Pollutions Standards deadline is Dec 1st. Write to the EPA: http://t.co/wE4GS3mv1d #SolarChat
— Raina Brett Russo (@RainaRusso) November 12, 2014
@zshahan3 Absolutely. Major opportunities in getting solar ind & customer base politically engaged at the local/state/nat'l level #SolarChat
— Jack Shapiro (@jackashapiro) November 12, 2014
More solar panels have been installed over the last year and a half than in the entire history of our country. #SolarChat
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) November 12, 2014
US solar can provide a beacon for Canadian advocates ahead of next years federal election plus many provincial ones #Solarchat
— adamjohnstonwpg (@adamjohnstonwpg) November 12, 2014
A2 Debunk the solar = priviledged people by highlighting groups like @GRID and @Habitat_org show #solar helps low income #solarchat
— Deborah Knuckey (@Creating2030) November 12, 2014
Q3 What would continuing or ending the ITC mean for your business/consumers?
A3. As important as the ITC has been – and would continue to be – for solar, not all is lost w/o it. Net metering more critical #SolarChat
— Carl Siegrist (@CarlSiegrist) November 12, 2014
Q4 Besides the ITC, what federal policies do you hope to see shape the future of solar?
A4: A price on carbon & fossil fuel subsidy cuts! Level the playing field! See: http://t.co/lBOk54Etxb & http://t.co/7TnS8NA1sm #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
A4: A nat'l renewable energy standard, help streamlining permitting, & return of a cash rebate would also be nice. #SolarChat #JustSayin'
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
A4: End ALL subsidies to #fossilfuel industry! #SolarChat
— John Baldwin (@dylanexpert) November 12, 2014
A4: Change America’s #energy policy: “all of the above” to “one of the above” – renewables! #SolarChat
— John Baldwin (@dylanexpert) November 12, 2014
A4 #SolarChat A national minimum net metering law/rule makes sense to me. Could FERC do this? Or are they only focused on Interstate issues?
— Kyle Cherrick (@kdcherrick) November 12, 2014
A4 Whatever materializes at the grassroots level is the barometer. See something unique? palatable? Job creator? Viola! #SolarChat
— Paige Heggie (@GreenBuckaroo) November 12, 2014
Q5 What’s the best way to mobilize the 9 out of 10 Americans who support solar?
A5: Show them what $ they could be making/saving… if their state/city provided a little support. Solar owners = solar advocates. #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
Congress must continue clean energy incentives, or scales will tip in favor of dirty sources that have permanent subsidies. #SolarChat
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) November 12, 2014
Yup. RT @RhoneResch: @Stphn_Lacey Lets make the ITC permanent, like incentives for O&G until we see if tax reform is possible #SolarChat
— Tor Valenza (@SolarFred) November 12, 2014
A5: Focus more messaging around #EnergyIndependence, self-reliance, & patriotism. Also: more freedom from monopolistic elec rates #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
We need a National Renewables Association to speak up for homeowners w/ existing solar. #solarchat #ases
— Jigar Shah (@JigarShahDC) November 12, 2014
A5. National “Got Solar?” campaign paid by industry will help drive market more than gov’t lobbying. Take message to the people. #SolarChat
— Carl Siegrist (@CarlSiegrist) November 12, 2014
A5: Get them working to elect #Democrats in 2016. 6-year-itch on the way out. http://t.co/UdQ0Y79uhx & http://t.co/rPl0FcPAoV #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
@zshahan3 permitting ain't even digital in all but very few places. Gov'ts & entrpns need 2 get ball rolling and facil. Decisions #solarchat
— Ian Thomson (@ianewthomson) November 12, 2014
A5 Totally agree w @zshahan3 – messaging has to appeal to the fiscally conservative. We tree huggers are not #1 constituent #SolarChat
— Deborah Knuckey (@Creating2030) November 12, 2014
A5 #SolarChat Community solar policies enable everyone to go solar, including the 75% with shady roofs. See MN's leadership.
— Michael Noble (@NobleIdeas) November 12, 2014
A5 Make the connection that Electric Cars can run off #Solar. ~1,000 #EV miles per panel per year in #Pittsburgh. #SolarChat
— Adam Solar Resources (@AdamSolar) November 12, 2014
Q5 EVs are loveable. Solar Cos should drive EVs – offer @plugshare charging station at each office!? #cheaphookup #solarchat
— Paige Heggie (@GreenBuckaroo) November 12, 2014
A5 less than 12% of Americans trust oil and gas companies. We have 90%+. Need to get the public mobilized. #SolarChat
— Rhone Resch (@RhoneResch) November 12, 2014
A5 give out free Teslas,If not then paint the picture of the freedom EV and Pv will bring #solarchat
— John Gallagher (@evandpv) November 12, 2014
A5: U go where the ppl go & tell them about #solar
#SolarChat
— Grace Ocean (@solarexec) November 12, 2014
Q6 The solar industry’s job growth is 10x faster than the U.S. average — what role does policy play in that?
A6: #Solar Creates Twice As Many Jobs As Coal, Nearly 3 Times More Than Natural Gas For Every $1 Invested http://t.co/KoNUU70nB7 #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
A6: It has been a huge support. Supportive solar policy = American jobs. #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
A6: 1. Billions to support R&D; 2. Keep #solar subsidies or remove #fossil subsidies 3. Create #solar #jobs program #SolarChat
— John Baldwin (@dylanexpert) November 12, 2014
A6 huge shoutout for @votesolar on state/local policy. Join 'em if you haven't already. #solarchat
— RL Miller (@RL_Miller) November 12, 2014
A6 when MA and MN have more solar than AZ and FL, that’s policy speaking. #solarchat
— RL Miller (@RL_Miller) November 12, 2014
A6 Policy is critical for all energy sources. Oil since '14, coal '30s, nuclear '50s, solar since 2006, yet ours expires in 2016 #SolarChat
— Rhone Resch (@RhoneResch) November 12, 2014
@SenatorReid @RL_Miller @robinbmurphy yes easier for Obama to get carbon agreement in China than in congress: #SolarChat
— Susan Kraemer (@dotcommodity) November 12, 2014
A6 Solar policy is huge in supporting solar jobs – always more important than sunshine! http://t.co/vYHi92iUtP #solarchat
— PV Solar Report (@PVSolarReport) November 12, 2014
A6 State RPS and NEM laws helped create a bigger market and drive demand for solar. Next is climate policy #111(d) #solarchat
— Rhone Resch (@RhoneResch) November 12, 2014
A6. Policy Matters! Solar industry’s fantastic job growth not an accident. Better policy = more solar = more #jobs. #SolarChat
— Carl Siegrist (@CarlSiegrist) November 12, 2014
Q7 Why are so many leading and small businesses going solar? Can companies shape solar policy? How?
A7: Solar = big $ savings. #SolarChat See: http://t.co/ml2o25FeMw & http://t.co/IgBPRBM6KZ Yes, companies can help improve solar policy!
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
A7: More on #Solar savings: http://t.co/bPQH7s3ibP & low solar costs: http://t.co/kmpcZGBT7c & this: http://t.co/li5AdTPRQ8 #SolarChat
— Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3) November 12, 2014
A7 America's leading business are going #solar at unprecedented rates because it helps their bottom line. http://t.co/D7Wd2sts7J #SolarChat
— Rhone Resch (@RhoneResch) November 12, 2014
MT @SolarFred: A7: Businesses going solar can help & lead by bugging Chamber of Commerce to support #solar. Tough but important. #SolarChat
— Carl Siegrist (@CarlSiegrist) November 12, 2014
#SolarChat is trending neck in neck with China! Great job everyone!
— Raina Brett Russo (@RainaRusso) November 12, 2014
Hello #solarchat What do we do about the fact that coal causes 17-17 cents/kWh in damages per Dr. Paul Epstein of #Harvard ..and coal ash:(
— Nancy LaPlaca (@laplacanancy) November 12, 2014
Regarding that last point regarding the true cost of coal, see: Full Cost of Coal $500 Billion/Year in U.S., Harvard Study Finds
For more commentary and wrap-up, see this piece.
Related: “Selling” Solar, Crowdfunding Solar, & More (#SolarChat)
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About the Author
Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media. You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.
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