Solar power is a cost-competitive, mainstream renewable energy resource that should be available to everyone, regardless of their income level or housing type. Yet America’s nearly 50 million low-income households, who spend more on their energy needs as a percentage of income than their wealthier peers, are often unable... [read more]
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]
Shared solar programs – sometimes known as ‘community solar’ or ‘solar gardens’ – help address the physical barriers of going solar for those who do not own their home or a suitable roof. These programs allow any energy customer to subscribe or otherwise participate in a solar energy project... [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]
Guiding principles: Accessibility and Affordability, Sustainability and Flexibility, Consumer Protection Barriers addressed: Cost, Market Forces Low-income access to solar is scalable when long-term funding is allocated through statute and/or regulations, often as part of a broader program, allowing the market to develop sustainably over time. Typically, successful and scalable... [read more]
Guiding principles: Accessibility and Affordability, Compatibility and Integration, Sustainability and Flexibility, Consumer Protection Barriers addressed: Cost, Physical Barriers and Home Ownership Status, Market Forces Successful low-income solar policies and programs across the country (e.g. CA, CO, CT, DC) to date have a few things in common: They are long-term... [read more]
