Lynn Jurich , MBA ’07: Solar as a Service

TL;DR

Lynn Jurich, co-founder of Sunrun, discusses the importance of consumer-led revolution in decarbonizing energy and the critical role of distributed resources in achieving clean and affordable power.

Transcript

[MUSIC] I am thrilled to introduce Lynn Jurich, as the opening keynote speaker for the GSB Climate Business and Innovation Summit today. Lynn Jurich, is a renewable energy industry pioneer and entrepreneur. Lynn co-founded Sunrun, the leading provider of residential solar and energy storage systems, where she currently serves as co-executive chair.... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 The cost reductions in solar and wind energy, along with the advancement of battery technology, have led to an optimistic outlook for decarbonizing energy.
• 🤩 Consumer adoption of solar systems and batteries is a key driver in the clean energy transition, with significant potential for growth.
• ❓ Mindset shift towards an abundant clean energy future and the removal of financial, regulatory, and incumbency barriers are crucial for accelerating the adoption of distributed resources.
• ❓ The coordination of centralized infrastructure and consumer-sided resources is vital to avoid overbuilding and create a more efficient and equitable energy system.
• 💍 Policies should focus on engaging disadvantaged communities and simplifying enrollment and incentives for consumers to embrace clean energy solutions.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Lynn Jurich choose to grind it out for the last 15 years with Sunrun instead of pursuing a low-risk, high-reward path?

Lynn Jurich believes in the potential of solar energy as a micro-resource that can be locally sited and efficiently deployed. She saw this as a disruptive and efficient power source with a strong consumer appeal and took on the challenge of making it accessible and affordable.

Q: What are the main challenges that hinder the faster adoption of clean energy?

Lynn Jurich identifies four reasons for the slow adoption of clean energy: mindset, financing, resistance from incumbents, and political/regulatory friction. These factors impact the pace at which consumers switch to clean energy and the scalability of distributed resources.

Q: How can the consumer play a critical role in the clean energy transition?

Lynn Jurich highlights that 42% of energy emissions come from consumer choices made at home, such as heating, transportation, and cooking. By shifting to clean electricity through solar systems, batteries, and electric vehicles, consumers can contribute significantly to decarbonizing energy. The consumer-led revolution can drive the adoption of clean energy at a large scale.

Q: How do distributed resources like home solar systems and batteries benefit both consumers and the grid?

Distributed resources offer several benefits, including cost savings for consumers, resiliency during power outages, and the potential to create virtual power plants that support the grid during peak demand. By utilizing rooftop solar panels and batteries, consumers can reduce their reliance on the centralized grid and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable energy system.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lynn Jurich emphasizes the importance of a consumer-led revolution and the sense of abundance in decarbonizing energy.

• She highlights the role of distributed resources, such as home solar systems and batteries, in scaling the clean energy transition.

• Jurich discusses the challenges of mindset, financing, incumbent resistance, and political/regulatory barriers that slow down the transition to clean energy.