By Chloe Medina
Equitable Solar Access Pilot Project for Manufactured Housing in Minnesota In 2021, the Minnesota Department of Commerce (MN DOC) and Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) launched the Equitable Solar Access Project. Its aim was to explore how community solar might benefit low-income households – particularly those in manufactured housing – served by Minnesota’s municipal and … Continued
By rootid
Program Overview: The District of Columbia’s Solar for All Program is a great example of a comprehensive low-income solar program because it encompasses single-family projects, multifamily affordable housing projects, community solar projects and workforce development. The program was established by the Renewable Portfolio Standard Expansion Amendment Act of 2016, which expands DC’s solar capacity, increases … Continued
By rootid
Community Solar Offering in the State New Hampshire’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF) was created in 2007 through the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) law (RSA 362-F). The REF was created to support renewable energy growth and projects in New Hampshire. The RPS requires that electricity providers obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources … Continued
By rootid
The Illinois Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), Public Act 99-0906, became effective on June 1, 2017. A major, statewide investment in jumpstarting Illinois’ clean energy economy, FEJA includes investments in solar training programs for individuals from economically disadvantaged communities, alumni of the Illinois foster care system, and formerly incarcerated individuals to help ensure that the … Continued
By rootid
Onset Shared Solar Project – Wareham, MA Two 1 MW off-site shared solar projects will benefit 19 affordable housing projects with over 1,000 units and 56 individual residents. Public Housing Agency of the City of Saint Paul, MN Community solar subscriptions will save the St. Paul PHA approximately $3 million in energy costs, and the … Continued
By rootid
Overview Homeowners across the country have typically participated in the solar market by installing solar directly on their property to meet a portion of their own energy needs. Home ownership rates vary starkly among low-income households versus their wealthier counterparts, but nationwide approximately thirty-five percent of low-income families own their own homes. Coupling the core policies used … Continued
By rootid
Overview A low-income multifamily solar program is a great way to help affordable housing providers, building owners, or large apartment complexes install solar for the direct or indirect benefit of the tenants. Utility bills are usually the largest and most volatile portion of an affordable housing development’s budget. Stabilizing utility bills through solar and other … Continued
By rootid
Overview Approximately 75 percent of individuals across the country do not have access to solar energy solutions, whether because they don’t have suitable roof space, don’t own their home, or face certain financial barriers to going solar. These barriers are even more acute for low-income customers. Community solar programs, sometimes known as ‘shared solar’ or … Continued
By rootid
Overview Low-income solar programs provide a great opportunity for states and municipalities to incorporate workforce development requirements that provide job training opportunities and direct pathways to employment in solar for local workers. Solar is a rapidly expanding industry, with a sustained job growth over the last seven years, and it is a strong employer of minorities … Continued
By rootid
Program Overview: Community solar in Massachusetts is supported by the Green Communities Act of 2008, subsequent revisions to that law, and regulatory implementation. The Green Communities Act included a number of cutting-edge policies, including a revised net metering program. During implementation of the revised net metering program, the Department of Public Utilities codified the ability … Continued
