Solar-Plus
High-Value Resource Solutions

At Cliburn and Associates, LLC, we helped pioneer solar plus storage and solar plus load flexibility solutions, with benefits for utilities, their customers and the environment.  Today, we are focused on continuing innovation and increasing public understanding of the energy transition, including project siting challenges. We also work on the forefront of community solar, returning benefits equitably across a range of stakeholders, with emphasis on low- and moderate income households. These solutions are complex, but not confounding. They are not only within our reach; they are within your reach, and we will show you how.

Cliburn and Associates offers expertise in emerging-market research, business program design, policy and evaluation, across the range of renewables and emerging integration strategies. We also provide change-management, communications support, and facilitation. Keys to our success include a deep experience and a network of expert associates, who thrive in a results-oriented culture.

Take an in-depth look at our work on the Solar Value Project site, including ongoing work as a technical advisor for the National Community Solar Partnership through Lawrence Berkeley Labs, the "SPECs" (Solar plus for Electric Co-ops) project for the U.S. DOE Solar Energy Innovation Network, and work with business groups and non-profits to build crucial support for this global energy transformation.

    Research

Cliburn and Associates research services range from emerging-market assessments to business and program plans, case studies, policy and training support. Contact us for samples of our award-winning work.

    Collaboration

Whether you are aiming to launch a new community solar program, shape outreach about the energy transition, craft a new policy, or procure solar plus storage, these efforts require collaboration. Cliburn and Associates is expert in collaborative planning and process coaching.

    Imagination

Cliburn has remained at the forefront of change. Our team can help you think "outside the box" and to move smartly beyond your limits. Our approach is exemplified by leadership of the Solar Value Project. It also takes place through consultation within your organization.
Cliburn is a frequent presenter at industry conferences and an a participant in innovation networks. Recently (above) she presented to the Rocky Mountain Utility Exchange. Catch her in August 2025 at the National Solar Conference in Boulder and in the fall, at the Behavior, Energy and Climate Change conference in Sacramento. Cliburn has been a board member of the American Solar Energy Society, and was recently named a Fellow in that organization. She also served on the board of Solar Energy International, leading in solar training and professional development, and provided training and communications support to the Association of Energy Services Professionals.


News and Highlights

Strategic Communications Circumvent Siting Challenges 
Since 2023, Cliburn has applied technical expertise and leadership for authentic community engagement in large-scale solar and battery system siting challenges. She has published research and a noted article in Solar Today. Cliburn also has worked on strategy and testimony for multiple solar developments.

Cliburn Coaching Contributes to Broadening Access to Solar
The National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP) is a coalition of community-focused solar stakeholders, working to expand access to affordable community solar to every American household by 2025. As a consultant to the NCSP in 2021-25, Cliburn has supported efforts in multiple states, ranging from help building inclusive participation or streamlining cost effective CRM and billing to supporting local utilities and developers in using "solar plus" energy efficiency or energy storage to optimize project value.

Previously, Cliburn and Associates assisted the U.S. DOE Solar in Your Community Challenge. It was aimed at a similar goal as the NCSP, but through a competition format. Local Challenge teams stood a chance of winning cash awards and recognition for their work. Cliburn supported this program as a coach and national program consultant. The firm produced national Challenge workshops. Two of the teams that Cliburn coached, Solar Holler (WV) and VEIC Sun Shares (VT) were subsequently honored with their categories and have served to inspire others.

SPECs: Building a Value-Based Market for Solar Plus Storage
Solar-Plus for Electric Co-ops (SPECs) helped optimize the procurement and operations of battery storage projects at electric cooperatives and other local utilities. The project was one of eight selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for the second round of the Solar Energy Innovation Network (SEIN). The project supported co-ops in three states and led to advanced work under contract to North Carolina State, Tri-State G&T, EUEC Training Center, and others.
Picture
Publications for Public Power Utilities
The American Public Power Association offers new publications, developed by Cliburn and Associates to serve local utility needs nationwide. This is the third edition of Energy Matters for Your Home and Energy Matters for Your Small Business that Cliburn has produced for APPA and its members over the past 15 years . Altogether these publications have hundreds of thousands of copies in print. The work is also reflected in digital content on numerous public power utility websites. This edition introduces new concepts to utility customers, as many public power utilities have updated their business models. Today, public power utilities are often oriented towards preparing customers to participate in load flexibility, solar and EV programs, and ultimately in virtual power plants. In addition, the Home guide is now available in Spanish. If you are not an APPA member, contact us for other ways we can help to improve your customer and community service.