Growing the Illinois Solar Market with Michelle Knox, WindSolarUSA | EP190

Clean Power Hour

The solar industry in Illinois has come a long way over the past decade, but its continued growth relies on overcoming legislative and regulatory challenges. In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague talks with Michelle Knox, owner of Wind Solar USA and former Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) board member, about the organization's crucial role in protecting and advancing rooftop solar across the state.
Michelle has been in the solar industry since 2008, starting her company to provide sustainability and energy self-sufficiency to homeowners, businesses, and farms. She shares her perspective on how the Illinois solar market has grown and matured over the past decade thanks to legislation like FEJA and CEJA.
Michelle discusses her experience serving on the board of ISEA and the importance of the organization in advancing rooftop solar through policy and advocacy work. She talks about ISEA's role in protecting net metering when policies have been threatened by utilities hitting net metering caps prematurely. Michelle also touches on the value of ISEA for solar businesses and customers, from educational resources to having a voice in key legislation and rules that shape the state's solar industry.
Michelle reflects on the economic impact of the industry's growth, going from a one-woman company to now employing multiple teams across central and southern Illinois. The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges still facing the solar market in Illinois as the state works towards its renewable energy goals.

The key to achieving Illinois' 100% renewable energy goal is ensuring the policy landscape continues to evolve through the collective voice and expertise of groups like ISEA.
Key Takeaways

1. What role has the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) played in advancing solar policy in the state?
2. How does ISEA help protect net metering policies from utility efforts to undermine rooftop solar?
3. What educational resources and advocacy does ISEA provide to solar companies and customers in Illinois?
4. How can Illinois meet its renewable energy goals?

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