For example, America’s Electric Cooperative published an
article in July of 2018 discussing the benefits of zero-net energy buildings
versus electric cooperatives. The article states that cooperatives, such as
community solar, tend to be more efficient than zero-net energy buildings.
Cooperatives tend to look and approach the energy question in a broader system
and thus are better equipped to deliver a solution at scale. According to a
study published by Brattle Group, community solar can deliver 35-35% more
efficiency and thus achieve greater cost savings in the long-run and can
provide greater carbon monoxide reductions.
While the article makes some good points, and presents
interesting information, the ultimate publisher is, in fact, an electric
cooperative. They are more likely to promote the advantages of community solar
and other similar cooperatives. What is lacking is any discussion of limits of
the cooperatives. In fact, the report they cite, though created by The Brattle
Group, seems to have been created for the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association, and thus is unlikely to discuss the shortcomings of cooperatives
in any deep framework, somewhat limiting the superior claims they’re making
regarding the shortcomings of zero-net energy buildings.
Make your own opinion by reading the original news article here: https://www.electric.coop/zero-net-energy-buildings-theyre-cracked/