Selected Articles
Below is a curated selection of contributed articles written how they were originally published
Why Utility-Scale Solar Investment Funds Outperform Stocks
Originally Published by Shasta Power
At the end of the day, do you want to feel certain that your investments are making a difference in the world?
Savvy investors can empower their portfolios while supporting a more sustainable future by investing in utility-scale solar energy. Utility-scale solar helps reduce US dependence on imported fossil fuels, curbs greenhouse gas emissions, and creates jobs in clean energy. It’s also a great medium-term investment strategy that offers a potential ROI of up to 200%.
In this article we explore what utility-scale solar is, how it performs against traditional investments like index funds and ETFs, and how you can invest in solar energy through private funds.
What are Utility-Scale Solar Investments?
When people talk about solar energy they’re typically referring to one of two forms of solar power: utility-scale solar energy and residential rooftop solar projects. Installing rooftop solar for a single-family home is very different from utility-scale solar farms, which are designed to power entire communities.
Utility-scale solar refers to large-scale solar power plants that generate massive amounts of electricity. Unlike rooftop solar, utility-scale solar projects have a much larger impact on mitigating climate change and supporting energy independence. In 2022, rooftop solar provided only 1.5% of America's electricity. Compare this to utility-scale solar, which accounted for 8% of the nation's total electricity capacity last year. The scope of utility-scale solar makes it better positioned to meet America’s energy needs while mitigating climate change than smaller-scale, single-home projects like rooftop solar. This is part of what makes utility-scale solar such a lucrative—and worthy—investment.
The experience of investing in utility-scale solar is also radically different from buying stock in a solar rooftop company. Accredited investors can support the development of utility-scale solar projects through private funds, like Shasta’s Summit Power Fund. Private funds for utility-scale solar offer a high projected ROI compared to stocks in rooftop solar companies. Just compare Shasta’s projected ROI to Sunrun, the largest residential solar installer in the U.S. for half of the last decade. Despite Sunrun’s success, stocks in their company have proven rather volatile. The Summit Power Fund, on the other hand, projects that investors can see a potential return of up to 200% on their investment.
The Summit Power Fund is an investment fund that exists to eliminate coal and power the world with clean, renewable energy using solar. As a Summit Power investor, you can support utility-scale solar projects through land acquisition, engineering, design, and permitting.
Shasta Power is a renewable energy company that supports the development of utility-scale solar projects via private funds. Shasta Power has closed over $200,000,000 million in commercial and utility solar projects, and investors in Shasta’s Summit Power Fund could enjoy up to 200% rate of return (based on historical performance).
Not only is the Summit Power Fund a smart investment, it’s also a meaningful investment. Statistically, every $50,000 invested in utility-scale solar through Shasta keeps about 150 barrels of oil in the ground and powers roughly ten homes.
Solar Funds vs. Stocks—See Which Investment Has Historically Performed Better
ETFs are great for diversification and long-term growth but don’t typically yield the same ROI as utility-scale solar. The S&P 500 has averaged about a 10% return each year over the long term.
Another disadvantage to ETFs and index funds is that your money is so diversified that you don’t have much of a stake in the individual companies and projects you’re investing in. Those companies, by and large, aren’t typically cause-based. By investing in utility-scale solar through private funds, you enjoy a historically higher ROI and can be satisfied that your investment will have a significant impact on the future health of our planet.
Despite significant periodic growth over the last five years, publicly traded solar stocks have also seen some deep valleys. From the start of 2023, Enphase, an industry leading firm in residential solar production, saw shares plummet from $264.96 on December 30, 2022 to $127.66 today. Similarly, Sunrun has seen a gradual decline from a trading high of $96.50 per share in early 2021 to just $13.68 when this article was published.
However, it’s important to note that all investments carry the risk of loss, and that the statistics about the ROI of private solar funds shown here are based on fiscal projections.
Growing Demand For Utility-Scale Solar
The demand for renewable energy is growing. Solar’s promise of energy independence and climate change mitigation has garnered government support. This has helped pass initiatives that incentivize the continued growth of utility-scale solar, making it not only a responsible investment but a savvy investment as well.
Not only do renewables help mitigate the long-term effects of climate change, they also reduce our dependence on foreign imported fossil fuels. Just look at how recent geopolitical crises have affected the price of oil to get a sense of the dangers foreign energy dependence! As the world’s second-largest exporter of crude oil, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent shocks through the world energy market. US gas prices shot up 42% in the months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reaching a record high of $5.02 a gallon. Global oil prices jumped 4% immediately after Hamas’s initial attack on Israel late last year.
The advantages of solar energy have increased its share of the United State’s total electrical generation from just 0.1% in 2010 to over 6% today. This is in part thanks to policy support for utility-scale solar energy on the federal, state, and local levels. Policies and standards, like the ITC and RPSs, have been enacted to speed up the rate of development of utility-scale solar projects.
Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows utility-scale solar developers to deduct up to 30% of installation costs from their federal taxes, which is a major incentive for large-scale solar projects.
38 US states and the District of Columbia have adopted Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), which require a specified percentage of electricity utilities to come from renewable resources. RPSs place a high demand on renewable energy sources, like solar. California, which has almost 40 million residents and an economy larger than both India and the UK, is committed to 100% clean energy by 2045. To date, 15 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam have set 100% clean or renewable portfolio requirements with deadlines ranging from 2030 to 2050.
Furthermore, recent advancements in solar technology make the production of solar panels more cost-effective than ever. In fact, the cost of manufacturing PV panels has fallen from $5 per watt in 2000 to less than $0.25 in 2023, according to the Conference Board.
Environmental and Social Impact
The positive environmental impacts of using solar energy instead of fossil fuels are well understood. Solar energy has an exponentially smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuels, preventing the buildup of harmful greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change. Less obvious are the social impacts of utility-scale solar projects, like more domestic jobs in clean energy, cleaner air and water, and lower rates of pollution-related illnesses.
Investing in a cleaner tomorrow can change the world today. When you invest in sustainability through utility-scale solar funds, you create jobs in solar energy. Unlike the coal and fossil fuel industries, solar industry jobs don’t expose workers to as many environmental hazards, like toxic chemicals and poor-quality air. Utility-scale also decreases the number of pollutants present in our air and water supply, which supports public health.
Not only do utility-scale solar farms reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, they also create more domestic jobs.
Conclusion
Utility-scale solar funds are a great investment opportunity for accredited investors interested in diversifying their portfolio while supporting the development of renewable energy. Utility-scale solar is a more scalable solution to the US’s energy needs than rooftop solar—or even more traditional forms of energy, like imported fossil fuels. The performance of private funds compared to EFTs, index funds, and publicly traded solar stocks offers a higher projected ROI, and public policy programs (like the ITC and RSPs) have further accelerated the development of utility-scale solar.
Funds like Shasta Power’s Summit Power Fund are paving the way toward a brighter, cleaner future. Since 2011, we’ve had six successful funds and closed over two hundred million dollars in utility and commercial projects. Our success is thanks in part to savvy investors like yourself, who understand solar energy’s potential to change the world.
Grow your wealth by investing in a brighter future!
Winter Swell is Here
Originally Published by Vanish Today
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” -Andy Williams
Winter is well upon us, and the west coast is getting hit with some much anticipated northwestern swell. Brewing storms in far off Alaska are producing absolutely massive waves across the western seaboard. While fair weather surfers pack their gear into storage, and get ready for a dry, cozy winter, die hard veterans are itching for any excuse to get back in the water. Blacks Beach is firing at double, triple overhead, while Mavericks is pushing into the forties some days, earning it the rarely seen ‘Epic’ status on last week’s Surfline report. That’s right, big wave surfing in California is back!
Staring out at the vertical seven foot walls of water which abound all northwestern facing beaches, the sane mind may wonder, why would anyone subject themselves to that type of punishment? Meanwhile, a fourteen year old grom with bleach blonde hair a twig sized board goes rushing past you, charging gleefully into the frigid tumult of exploding waves.
Anyone who’s ever lived within ten miles of the west coast likely knows someone half-crazed enough to battle near freezing temperatures and constant bombardment by six foot walls of whitewash, just to earn their spot in the line up. Hell, if you threw a stone in any beach town, you’d probably hit one of these characters. There’s a good chance that one of them may have even found their way onto your winter shopping list.
To add some much needed clarity to this year’s chaotic holiday season, we’ve composed a list of essential products for every winter water warrior. If you know anyone brazen, foolhardy, and masochistic enough to get pummeled by overhead swell day in and day out, this list is for them!
A Wetsuit for the Hardcore
If the pioneers surfed, this would have been their wetsuit of choice. Patagonia’s Men’s R4 Yulex Hooded Full Suit is a hardy wetsuit built for a hardy man. Ideal for chilly water ranging anywhere from 38-48 degrees fahrenheit, the Yulex hoodie is a godsend to our friends up in the Pacific Northwest. It features a thermal microgrid lining, made of mostly recycled materials, for tree huggers who like to stay warm. The Yulex’s external triple-glued seams offer both durability and insulation, creating a long lasting wetsuit that keeps cold water out. Most importantly, the Yulex’s asymmetrical front-zip features a replaceable, corrosion-proof Salmi zipper, because anyone who’s ever owned a wetsuit knows, the zipper is the first thing to go.
A Wetsuit for the REALLY Hardcore
Patagonia’s Men’s R1 Yulex Impact Spring Suit is stretchy, durable, and, most importantly, safe. Designed for heavy and hazardous surf, the Yulex Impact Suit features 25mm foam padding and floating front zip. It’s built for easy entry, and is even inflatable vest compatible. This suit is practically made for Mavericks!
Surf is Where You Find It by Gerry Lopez
For all surfers who wish they could be out in the water, but are stuck at home, Gerry Lopez’s Surf is Where You Find It may just be the next best thing. Written by the Pipeline King himself, this memoir provides valuable lessons learned from a lifetime of surfing. In addition to the knowledge it offers, this sexy little book is filled with stellar surfing photography, and looks great on any coffee table.
Planing Roll Top Pack 35L
The Planning Roll Top Pack is a stylish and effective solution for transporting wet surf and dive gear from the ocean to your home, without drenching everything in its path. This pack easily hauls wetsuits and soaked gear, while keeping clothes and towels dry and organized. What more do you need to know?
R3 Yulex Split Toe Booties
Patagonia’s Yulex Split Toe Booties is the grippy foot warming solution the surf world has been waiting for! This booty easily adjusts to your body’s unique shape and contour, featuring a Y-strap closure that conforms to the foot for a snug fit. Most importantly, the Yulex Split Toe Booties is water resistant and includes microgaskets at the cuff openings to prevent water entry.
But what about the material? The Yulex Split Toe Booties include a fast drying spandex thermal microgrid interior lining and a natural rubber is exterior, certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
What is Complete CRM?
Originally Published by BigCommerce.com
Complete CRM is more than just a buzzword. Complete CRM is a SaaS solution that provides organizations the tools they need to effectively manage everything from marketing to sales, operations and more - all under one roof.
More than anything, Complete CRM is the solution to a number of problems that have haunted business leaders for decades.
Defining The Problem: Why Do Businesses Need Complete CRM
What are we even talking about?
Customer Relationship Management is nothing new. On the contrary, CRM technology has been a cornerstone of business management for well over two decades. There are hundreds of CRM experts and media outlets constantly churning out content on the state of CRM: what it is, where it’s going, etc. These sources often talk about CRM as if it’s a single, easily definable entity, and decades ago, in its early stages, it was. In reality, today, CRM is nonspecifically broad categorization used to denote a diverse gamut of platforms, many of which have very little in common. When limited use ESPs and full service business management solutions can both faithfully be referred to as Customer Relationship Management, we have to ask ourselves: what are we really even talking about?!
To inject some specificity back into the conversation, forward thinking tech experts have begun using the term “Complete CRM” to better define the technology they are describing, allowing themselves to separate SaaS heroes from single function CRM wannabes. First coined by software developer, Lars Helgeson, in the early 2000s, Complete CRM describes a full service software solution for business management.
The issue with mile high MarTech stacks
The information revolution has forever changed the way we view business management. Today’s marketplace is bursting at the seams with SaaS solutions. It seems like there's a platform for every minute detail of lifestyle and commerce. The emergence of so many applications has created a precarious situation for companies across the globe; the unwieldy, ever growing MarTech stack. This hallmark of twenty-first century business mis-management is famous for creating unnavigable nexuses of corporate data. Like the proverbial sinkhole, information entered into an overgrown MarTech stack isn’t guaranteed to be seen again.
A well rounded digital marketing strategy often involves having to juggle everything from email marketing and landing pages to social reporting and conversion tracking. Once you add on the other tools needed to effectively manage an organization, such as sales, customer service, and more, business leaders might find themselves staring down a 15 sum app tech stack, worth thousands of dollars in monthly subscriptions. The cost alone can be astronomical. Maybe some corporations can afford that, but the operating cost of managing all that software (time + manpower) only compounds the Total Cost of Ownership.
The Solution: A More Complete CRM
Complete CRM describes an all purpose business management software solution. Complete CRM is capable of managing all of an organization’s digital assets, without the need for supplemental SaaS. It’s essentially the Swiss Army Knife of MarTech. It houses all the tools a business needs to effectively, and productively manage sales, marketing, operations, customer service, and your internal team.
What does it do?
It’s safe to say that Complete CRM does a lot. Standard features include email marketing, contact management, automation, telephony (SMS/MMS/VoiP), surveys, signup forms, web design, customer journey mapping, predictive analytics, sales tracking, project management, event management, and ticketing.
A Complete CRM is more than just the sum of all it’s parts, and the value it provides businesses goes beyond the utility of its features. Complete CRM can measurably improve the operational efficiency of most enterprises, both small and large.
Complete CRM offers higher ROI
The hallmark of Complete CRM is the exceptionally high return on investment it provides account owners. In some cases, Complete CRM can save over 80% in total cost of ownership. No matter which Complete CRM you choose, it will inevitably cost less than a mile high MarTech stack of single service solutions, in both subscriptions and TCO.
Now you may not be familiar with Total Cost of Ownership, so it’s worth explaining. Put simply, TCO is the total cost of a platform. It includes your initial investment (setup + training), plus your subscription, and, most importantly, the operating costs of using the software. The latter isn’t something businesses often think about. There’s an assumption that every reputable solution for a problem will require roughly the same amount of time and resources as any other reputable solution. This notion fails to factor integration into the equation. Complete CRM consolidates numerous platforms into one, and has extensive integrative capabilities, for those of you who choose to cling on to pieces of your tech stack. By consolidating all that information into a single digital location, Complete CRM keeps you from having to pay hand over fist for employees to spend valuable company time, manually disseminating oceans of data. This also minimizes the risk of human error.
Reducing operating costs isn’t the only way Complete CRM saves you money. Using full service business management software is also known to drive customer retention. According to smallbizgenius “82% of companies agree that retention is cheaper than acquisition.” With better record keeping and customer journey mapping tools, organizations can dramatically boost CX, without having to upscale.
Leaders in Complete CRM are redefining the way SaaS solutions are priced. Most traditional CRMs base prices on a “per user per month” model. This makes the attractive $99 price tag displayed on web ads across the Internet deeply deceptive. In actuality that $99 a month quickly becomes $17,820 per year, when you have fifteen staff members needing access. Some organizations will try to circumvent per user pricing by sharing one account. Unfortunately, doing so severely limits the time any one employee can use the platform, and means mistakes and misuses can’t be easily traced back to any particular user.
Better business software means more deals closed. Complete CRM helps close more deals with marketing automation. Automation lets businesses automate the tedious and mundane aspects of day to day business management, so your team can direct their efforts to big picture items. This way brands can eliminate the risk of human error while still maintaining that personal touch.
Complete CRM is easy to use
Complete CRM is all about better data management. By storing all of an organization’s data in a single platform, Complete CRMs provide users a 360-degree view of their customers. The days of having to pull together disparate customer information across multiple platforms are gone. The next generation of CRM features a single record for each contact, that catalogues each customer-brand interaction, enabling teams to do more with less manpower.
Create a collaborative culture! (Happy Employees)
Having a single contact record to catalogue every touch point saves capital through increased operational efficiency. Even more importantly, Complete CRM empowers brands by boosting employee morale.
Complete CRM fosters corporate cultures driven by accountability and collaboration. A Complete CRM harnesses the power of synergy to propel your brand forward. It does so by enabling the free flow of data between your sales and marketing teams, so no one’s out of the loop and everyone knows what they should be doing.
Accountability is the foundation of productivity. Business software should be transparent. Complete CRM holds employees to a higher standard with detailed record keeping of user actions. This means account managers can quickly identify the party responsible for any given misstep, without having to interview the entire department. With roles and actions more easily defined, Complete CRM users can work unhindered by the pitfalls of bureaucratic mismanagement.
All great leaders know that happy employees create productive work environments. The synergistic features which define Complete CRM offer employees a superior user experience. When data is easily accessible and software is easy to use, it’s harder to justify an unproductive day.
Improve the flow of data
Data is the lifeblood of commerce. For companies to succeed in crowded markets, pertinent information like customer preferences, buyer histories, and brand touch points need to be easily accessible to the teams who need it. Disconnects between departments can destroy a brand. When marketing and sales are operating on contradictory sets of information, you’ll close fewer deals. It doesn’t matter that your team is firing on all cylinders, if their work is counterproductive.
Any CRM worth its salt has offers comprehensive shared access permissions. These are the movable barriers that gate information from the people who don’t need it, while offering access to the people who do.
Workflows are a standard tool for sharing data with teams who need it. Workflows can assign tasks, send alerts, and modify contact information. They can be triggered by different client-brand interactions, like filling out a survey or hitting a defined lead score. This way, the necessary processes will be put in motion, whether that means steps to closing a deal or activities for re-engaging a lead.
Conclusion
Through its disruption of traditional pricing models and antiquated business management strategies, Complete CRM is providing a much needed overhaul to the SaaS market. This promising tech is toppling tech stacks across the globe, and allowing businesses to unlock their full potential.