No Roof, No Problem: Shared Solar Programs Make Solar Possible For You

A year ago, an EERE Blog post explained how shared solar programs are expanding access to clean energy for all Americans. Rather than limiting solar energy options to homeowners with ample roof space, shared solar programs enable renters, neighbors, and even small businesses, local nonprofits, and other entities to benefit from the solar energy generated by panels in one array.

A major draw of shared solar is its potential for flexibility. For example, programs can be designed to encourage participation by low-income urban customers, to stabilize energy bills for mom-and-pop shops on Main Street, and to create partnerships between rural communities with accessible land and nearby cities with high electricity demand. Strategically-located shared solar arrays can help cities boost local economic development and help utilities by providing electric grid benefits, such as responding to and meeting increased demand.

Last April, the Energy Department's SunShot Initiative introduced Solar Market Pathways, a federal backing plan designed to support local approaches to develop multi-year plans, streamline deployment, and launch innovative programs that spur solar market growth in communities all across the Unites States. The 15 selected plans include regional, state, municipal, university, and utility efforts to provide business certainty and establish a clear path for increased solar deployment over the next 5 to 10 years. For the complete story, see the EERE Blog.

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