New Legislation Would Expand Access to Community Solar

A New Mexico senator has introduced a bill that would support community solar projects and help expand access to solar energy across the U.S.

Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D), considered a champion for advancing clean energy through community solar, on October 1 introduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House. The bill is designed to direct more resources to expand renewable energy through community solar projects.

Community solar is a program that enables residential and commercial and industrial customers that otherwise would not have access to solar power to be able to utilize clean energy.

Luján has previously introduced legislation that would require states to consider policies to promote deployment of community solar projects. Officials on Tuesday said about half of U.S. households and businesses are not able to use rooftop solar systems, mostly due to economic or geographic issues. The bill’s supporters said that expanding community solar projects “would lower energy costs for consumers, support good-paying green energy jobs, and help combat the climate crisis.”

‘Transformative Step’

“The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act is a transformative step in expanding access to affordable clean energy while cutting red tape that has delayed these benefits for too long,” said Jeff Cramer, CEO of the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA). “This legislation comes at a crucial time, unlocking the full potential of federal programs like the Inflation Reduction Act’s Solar for All and the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit, which increase energy equity for low- and moderate-income households.”

Cramer told POWER, “By enabling individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and local governments to participate in community solar, the bill ensures that everyone—not just those who can install rooftop solar—can benefit from lower energy costs and clean energy access.”

Learn more about community solar by attending Experience POWER Week, scheduled for Oct. 9-11, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. Experts on the topic will provide information about the market for community solar across the U.S. Time is running out, so go here and secure your spot today!

“As the climate crisis continues to worsen, it’s clear that we must do more to support clean energy projects like community solar,” said Luján. “I’m proud to introduce the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act to expand access to solar power through community solar projects for all Americans and create more good-paying, clean energy jobs. This bill is a step forward in combating the climate crisis, and I look forward to working with Rep. Castor to get this bill passed.”

Those behind the legislation said the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act would “require the U.S. Dept. of Energy to expand existing grant, loan, and financing programs to include community solar programs and to establish a program to increase access to community solar programs, including through technical assistance.” The bill also says every electric utility would need “to offer a community solar program that provides all ratepayers, including low-income ratepayers, with equitable access [to solar power.”

The legislation also would allow the General Services Administration to offer a public utility contract for a period of up to 30 years, a significant increase from the current 10-year maximum.

Multiple Group Endorse Legislation

Several groups immediately endorsed the bill, including the CCSA, the New Mexico Climate Investment Center, Public Power New Mexico, GRID Alternatives, New Energy Economy, League of Conservation Voters, Appalachian Voices, Vote Solar, Solstice, Sierra Club, Earthjustice, and Solar United Neighbors.

“Americans should be able to harness abundant and free solar energy to power their lives, especially in places like my home ‘Sunshine State’,” said Castor. “The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act will empower individuals and businesses to benefit from low-cost energy produced through a shared community solar array. Community solar is a win-win-win. By expanding community solar, we can reduce harmful pollution, save Americans money on their electric bills and create good-paying jobs. I look forward to partnering with Sen. Luján to pass this bill and make affordable solar more accessible.”

“The New Mexico Climate Investment Center is particularly focused on development of community solar facilities that are community-owned, tribal-owned, and those in rural electric cooperative districts of New Mexico,” said Beth Beloff, CEO of New Mexico Climate Investment Center. “Such community solar facilities will need the technical assistance in developing such programs particularly to provide greater access to low-cost solar subscriptions for the low-income disadvantaged households they are targeting. This bill seeks to address the need for technical assistance and other types of support to provide greatest access to those subscribers. We are in support of Senator Lujan’s bill to provide such support.”

Cramer told POWER, “The Coalition for Community Solar Access fully supports this bill because it reduces bureaucratic barriers, encourages competition in the solar marketplace, and empowers local governments through technical assistance and data-sharing. It creates new opportunities for private investment in community solar projects, fostering innovation and reducing energy bills for more Americans. The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act will help create jobs, drive economic growth, and make clean, affordable energy available to all, especially those who need it most.”

—Darrell Proctor is senior editor for POWER (@POWERmagazine).