GridSolar, LLC The GridSolar Project – A Different Vision for our Nation’s Electric Grid Presentation – NASUCA June 15, 2010 Richard Silkman, Ph.D. - Founding Partner

2 Maine’s Energy Choice CMP Vision in which peak load is met by large generating facilities located far from load requiring expensive transmission systems GridSolar Vision in which peak load is met through a smart electric grid using small-scale distributed solar generation located close to load

3 CMP MPRP

4 MPRP – Proposed Solution

5 MPRP - Out-of-Date Vision of the Electric Grid  Very large Generation Stations WERE the most efficient forms of generation

6 MPRP - Out-of-Date Vision of the Electric Grid  Manufacturing – that WAS best served by Large Central Generation Stations

7 MPRP - Out-of-Date Vision of the Electric Grid  Transmission WAS easy to site and permit

8 MPRP - Out-of-Date Vision of the Electric Grid  Information WAS difficult to obtain and process

9 GridSolar Offers a Different Vision of the Electric Grid  Load growth is weather sensitive

10 GridSolar Offers a Different Vision of the Electric Grid  Generation placed near the load

11 MPRP - Out-of-Date Vision of the Electric Grid  Transmission is NOT easy to site and permit

12 GridSolar Offers a Different Vision of the Electric Grid  Information is easier to manage

13 GridSolar Vision

14 GridSolar Vision Grid Interconnection Equipment for Distributed Solar Systems

15 GridSolar Project  Install distributed solar generation to meet actual (not projected) peak loads  When solar will not meet peak loads: Install propane/natural gas fired distributed generation in dual role of back- up generation plus grid-tied generation Demand-response using interruptible loads Battery backup as the technology improves

16 Solar is the only renewable resource that is coincident with peak loads

17 Will GridSolar Work  YES - the ability of the GridSolar Project to ensure grid reliability is acknowledged by CMP. In addition: less costly better job opportunities less risky less impact on the environment

18 GridSolar will Cost Ratepayers Less Money than the MPRP

19 Costs of Solar PV are Falling Solar Cost Curve is expected to decline over the next 20 years due to technological improvements, manufacturing scale and new production methods

20 Smart Electric Grid

21 GridSolar – Next Steps  Maine – Stipulation Work with Utility to develop smart grid plan and platform plus 2 or 3 pilot projects in Maine for implementation  Elsewhere Identify opportunities to work with consumer advocates in other states to support the GridSolar Project as a Non- Transmission Alternative to peak load growth and ensuring grid reliability

GridSolar, LLC Contact Information (207)