Recorded on June 13, 2024
The $7 billion federal Solar for All competition is set to make an unprecedented investment in improving access to solar and associated energy storage and efficiency for low-to-moderate income (LMI) and disadvantaged communities across the United States. Considering the average income of solar adopters was $117,000 in 2022, Solar for All's emphasis on reaching LMI and disadvantaged homeowners and renters is a significant step towards democratizing the benefits of the nation's growing deployment of distributed and community-based solar, aiming to bridge the gap for hundreds of thousands of households previously excluded from the benefits of solar adoption.
While the federal Solar for All program – in addition to existing state-based low-income solar programs – is poised to address and alleviate financial barriers that have inhibited the deployment of solar and associated energy storage and efficiency in underserved communities, other regulatory, permitting, grid infrastructure, and utility data access issues persist. Public Utility Commissions can play a meaningful role in addressing many of these potential barriers to expanding solar access and leveraging the full potential of Solar for All.
This discussion brought together Solar for All selectees, utility regulators, thought leaders, and project developers to discuss opportunities to collaboratively support increased deployment of distributed and community-based solar in LMI and disadvantaged communities.