Coalition for Community Solar Access

06/27/2024

🚨 Pennsylvania's family farms are under threat. But community solar can help protect their legacy!

With community solar:

🌾 Solar panels are placed on underutilized farmland, providing economic opportunity for small family farms.

☀️ You don’t have to own acres of land or a big rooftop to get the benefits of solar energy.

🌎 Much like Netflix, you subscribe to clean, locally generated solar power without having to install your own solar panels.

💸 Energy costs are lowered, saving PA families money on their electric bills.

In 22 states, families and farmers are already reaping the benefits of community solar. But Pennsylvania's families are missing out due to outdated regulations.

It's time to change that. Support HB 1842 and bring community solar to Pennsylvania.

02/20/2024

Across the country, is booming — democratizing solar benefits regardless of your home’s access to solar panels.

States across the country are greenlighting community solar programs, making significant moves to make their communities more sustainable, offer bill savings to ratepayers, and spark local economic investment.

Read more about community solar’s expansion >>

Community solar can help those with no access to solar panels switch to clean energy. Here's why these programs might see growth in the near future.

02/16/2024

Can help ratepayers save money and live better? Walmart thinks so!

Lisa B. Nelson, director of public affairs at Walmart, recognizes the potential community solar has to broadly benefit customers, such as easing the burden of energy costs, encouraging local investment, and creating new jobs.

Read her opinion column supporting Wisconsin Assembly Bill 258 and Senate Bill 226.

Community solar is a solution that brings a plethora of benefits to a broad base of consumers, transforming the way we access and think about energy, as well as reduce energy costs for Wisconsin families and businesses.

02/15/2024

offers solar power benefits to all residents.

But obstacles with IRS guidance prevent those benefits from being democratized. Solutions like net crediting or prepaid cards could offer a cleaner & more inclusive energy landscape.

In my previous article in this series, we delved into the multitude of ways that the Treasury Dept.’s guidance on the IRA’s Low-Income Communities Bonus

02/14/2024

CCSA’s Molly Knoll and Kate Daniel are presenting virtually at the annual summit for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Community Solar Partnership. They will provide a state community solar market and policy update, detailing best practices, successes in existing markets, and the new markets on our horizon.

Catch their deep dive at 3:15pm ET.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) will host the fourth annual National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP) Summit on February 14, 2024.

02/14/2024

After four years, third-party has a shot in Wisconsin.

A legislative hearing today could be the first major step to changing existing law limiting community solar development to utilities. This change could open up new revenue streams for landowners, like Bonnie and Rick Beyer in Shawano, and accelerate clean, affordable energy choices across the state.

CCSA’s Matt Hargarten details the benefits community solar has for diverse stakeholders, and how the utilities are trying to shortchange the beneficiaries before installations are even deployed.

Bills authorizing community solar programs have languished in committe for nearly four years, but supporters feel they're finally getting traction.

02/13/2024

Hundreds of thousands of customers are eager to participate in . Even in states without a community solar program, community solar is producing revenue for landowners.

Listen to CCSA's CEO Jeff Cramer on the Grid Talk podcast from the U.S. Department of Energy.

https://www.smartgrid.gov/gridtalk/episodes/2023-11-17-community-solar-ready-to-shine

02/12/2024

Utilities killed Washington’s Fair Access to Community Solar Act. This loss deals a setback to Washington’s shared goals to advance climate action and promote energy equity, according to CCSA’s Derek Chernow. The bill would have brought unprecedented federal dollars into Washington to amplify the state’s program, too.

Legislators in Washington State were hoping to boost the state’s community solar program with bills that would establish The Fair Access to Community Solar Act; however, supporters will have to wai…

02/09/2024

In tandem with rooftop solar and other renewables, can permanently reduce the energy burden on the utility grid.

⬇️ Listen in to CCSA's CEO Jeff Cramer on the Grid Talk podcast hosted by U.S. Department of Energy. ⬇️

https://www.smartgrid.gov/gridtalk/episodes/2023-11-17-community-solar-ready-to-shine

02/08/2024

Walmart and U.S. Bank step up in a big way to help democratize solar access!

Seven new projects in New York and Illinois will collectively benefit 5,000 low-income households, and help those residents save over $17 million over the projects’ lifespans.

Walmart, U.S Bancorp Impact Finance and Reactivate closed a tax equity transaction on the portfolio of solar projects in New York and Illinois.