CCTC First Friday: Solar in the Mainstream
Date and Time
Friday Sep 8, 2017
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM EDT
September 8, 2017
7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Location
Hyannis Golf Course
1840 Iyannough Road
Hyannis, MA 02601
Fees/Admission
Admission: $20.00
Description
Topic Change!
The exponential growth of solar photovoltaics has caused the economics to reach the tipping point of “grid parity” for the generated cost of energy. This has occurred much faster than experts had predicted even a few years ago.
Luke Hinkle, founder of MyGeneration Energy, will first focus on the status of Community Shared Solar in the Commonwealth. In addition to the overall growth, we will provide an update to the progress of the innovative Community Solar Garden® projects we presented to the CCTC first in 2011 and again in 2015.
We will then shift the topic to the transformation of residential solar in Massachusetts. We will discuss how it has moved from a heavily incentivized initiative in 2009 to a more modestly subsidized program in less than a decade. With equipment prices declining and electricity value increasing, the gradual shift toward a mainstream implementation has been a success story for carefully controlled government involvement in developing this form of renewable energy. We will also highlight future trends and challenges.
Luke Hinkle is the Founder of My Generation Energy, Inc., a solar energy installation and development Company based in Dennis, MA.
After receiving a Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University in 1989, Luke joined MKS Instruments in Andover, MA. There he served in various roles from Technology Manager to Product Marketing Director. Leaving corporate America for a more rewarding experience, he taught advanced math and science for five years at Falmouth High School. In 2006 he founded a consulting company, Complex2Simple, Inc., with clients who manufacture semiconductors, solar cells, and supporting equipment. Throughout his career he has pursued active scientific research and currently serves on the Board of Directors for AVS, a science society with over 3000 international members focusing on advancing technologies associated with renewable energy.
With a background in science, business, education, and consulting, he can’t resist an opportunity to solve problems. He sees deploying effective solar energy systems as a way to simultaneously tackle challenges which are sometimes in conflict: the economy, energy, and the environment.
Due to the holiday, this month’s event will take place on Friday, September 8.