Community Development Financial Institutions and Community Development Entities are mission-driven financial institutions, corporations, or partnerships that serve and empower economically distressed communities. Whether providing direct investment dollars or credit enhancements, they can play a critical role in solar development. ... [read more]
Guiding principles: Accessibility and Affordability, Community Engagement Barriers addressed: Cost, Market Forces, Education and Outreach Also called “Solarize” programs, Community Purchase Programs help multiple homeowners go solar together, making the process easier and more affordable. Typically a third-party administrator (often a nonprofit organization or public agency) helps homeowners pool... [read more]
Consumer protections should be at the forefront of low-income solar programs, especially if they include customer finance. Key protections include... [read more]
Tax credits are a common form of incentive program, although one that is limited in its utility to low-income households. Making tax-based incentives work for low-income consumers requires availability of a refund option or third-party financing entity that can monetize the credit. ... [read more]
Dedicated funding from federal sources for low-income solar programs has been largely absent, but a few partnerships have formed to ensure best practices sharing between jurisdictions looking to or in the process of implementing low-income solar programs.... [read more]
Grants can be used to both directly fund projects developed for the benefit of low-income customers, and provide technical assistance to community-based organizations looking to support solar development, particularly in communities of color, environmental justice communities, and low-income communities.... [read more]
Green banks are fully or partially funded state financial institutions that support affordable financing for clean energy or environmentally beneficial projects. They hold significant potential to expand access to affordable financing for low-income communities.... [read more]
