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 Greenfest (@SolarRaina) 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 Greenfest (@SolarRaina) 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 (@YesSolarInc) 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
— adamjwpg (@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 Greenfest (@SolarRaina) 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
— adamjwpg (@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 (@djknuckey) 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?
— #SolarIsEatingTheWorld (@KyleCherrick) November 12, 2014
A4 Whatever materializes at the grassroots level is the barometer. See something unique? palatable? Job creator? Viola! #SolarChat
— ~?Sine Wave?~ (@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 (@djknuckey) 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 Rides (@AdamSolar) November 12, 2014
Q5 EVs are loveable. Solar Cos should drive EVs – offer @plugshare charging station at each office!? #cheaphookup #solarchat
— ~?Sine Wave?~ (@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 Greenfest (@SolarRaina) November 12, 2014
https://twitter.com/laplacanancy/status/532621608863952896
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)
