Community solar holds promise as a means of delivering affordable energy to communities around the country. These projects allow residential customers to pool resources and buy stakes in larger projects, achieving price reductions through economies of scale, and providing energy independence and local energy options to consumers without land to host their own generation.
While 40 states have at least one community solar project, these often serve wealthier customers. To address this market gap, several states have taken steps to ensure that low-income communities can access community solar developments.
To support states in expanding solar options and improving energy affordability for local communities, NASEO partnered with the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and three State LIHEAP Office and State Energy Office cohorts in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the District of Columbia through the Inclusive Shared Solar Initiative (ISSI). Through ISSI, NASEO and NEADA facilitated regular peer exchange meetings, provided technical assistance, and supported the state partners as they developed community solar pilot projects and pioneered innovative approaches to customer enrollment, consumer protections, and inter-agency coordination.