Articles tagged with "community-solar"
Climatize Facilitates Community Solar Projects in Minnesota and Illinois with Pre-Construction Financing - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the growing impact of community solar projects in the U.S., focusing on the role of Climatize, a crowdfunding platform that facilitates pre-construction financing for such projects in Minnesota and Illinois. Community solar allows renters and homeowners without solar panels to subscribe to nearby solar installations, benefiting from lower electricity bills and contributing to clean energy adoption. In 2024, community solar capacity in the U.S. grew by 35%, adding 1.7 GW. Climatize has partnered with Enterprise Energy, a community solar developer with 25 years of experience, to fund projects ranging in size from 6 to 30 soccer fields. These projects particularly target Low and Moderate Income (LMI) customers, who benefit from state programs designed to provide affordable, stable solar power and protect them from rising utility costs. Climatize’s financing addresses a critical gap in early-stage project funding, covering permitting and environmental diligence costs that are typically difficult to finance through traditional lenders. By securing financing at around
energycommunity-solarsolar-powerrenewable-energyclean-energysolar-projectsenergy-financingNJ Governor Elect Mikie Sherrill Zeroes In On Solar Power
New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is prioritizing the expansion of solar power in the state, aiming to overcome significant challenges such as limited land availability and regulatory hurdles. New Jersey has ambitious clean energy goals—50% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2035—but currently, renewables make up less than 10% of its power generation, with solar accounting for 90% of that share. The state relies heavily on natural gas and nuclear power, and also imports nearly 20% of its electricity from out-of-state sources via the regional grid operator PJM. Sherrill plans to accelerate solar development by leveraging three key strategies: repurposing brownfields (contaminated or underused lands), expanding community solar projects, and promoting agrivoltaics (combining agriculture and solar energy). Brownfields represent a significant opportunity for New Jersey to increase solar capacity without requiring new land, which is scarce in the densely populated state. New Jersey has already made
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyclean-energyNew-Jerseysolar-power-plantscommunity-solarCourts Step In To Protect Citizens When Government Refuses To Do Its Job - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the ongoing conflict between certain U.S. states and the federal government regarding the cancellation of the $7 billion Solar For All program. This initiative aimed to expand access to solar energy for low- and moderate-income households, particularly benefiting those who cannot install solar panels themselves, such as renters or residents of disadvantaged communities. The program was projected to help 900,000 households reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, lower utility bills by over $350 million annually, and promote environmental justice. However, the Biden administration, under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, terminated the program in August 2025, labeling it a "boondoggle," despite its broad support and Congressional approval. In response, nearly two dozen states, including California and Arizona, have filed lawsuits to reinstate the program, arguing that its cancellation disproportionately harms disadvantaged communities and undermines efforts to combat pollution and high energy costs. California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the administration for favoring fossil fuel interests over
energysolar-energyrenewable-energysolar-powerenergy-policycommunity-solarenergy-grantsExpanding Solar Power In Rural & Working-Class Communities - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a new partnership called Farmers Powering Communities (FPC), formed by Reactivate (an Invenergy company), American Farmland Trust (AFT), and Edelen Renewables Community Solar. FPC aims to install 500 MW of community solar power within five years, focusing on rural and working-class communities, particularly farmers and ranchers. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between food production and clean energy generation by developing distributed solar projects that support local economies, reduce energy costs, and enhance grid resilience. These community solar projects typically range up to 5 MW and are designed to fit rural land characteristics, often preserving farmland for future agricultural use. Reactivate specializes in renewable energy solutions that benefit working-class communities burdened by high energy costs, offering economic, social, and environmental advantages. Community solar allows residents with electric bills to subscribe to locally generated solar power, increasing consumer choice and competition in the energy market. The partnership builds on AFT’s Smart Solar℠ network, which emphasizes
energysolar-powercommunity-solarrenewable-energyrural-energyenergy-storageclean-energyFailed US Government Wants To Dismantle Solar For All Program - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the Biden administration's Solar For All program, funded with up to $7 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at helping low- and moderate-income households install solar energy systems and expand community solar projects. The initiative was projected to benefit 900,000 households—many in conservative "red states"—by reducing fossil fuel dependence and saving over $350 million annually in utility costs. However, the program is now facing termination efforts led by the EPA under leadership aligned with former Trump administration policies, with plans to rescind grants to 60 state agencies, nonprofits, and Native American tribes. This move is seen as prioritizing funding for tech billionaires and defense spending over support for disadvantaged communities. Despite the program's early successes, including completed solar and battery installations for Native American tribes by Indigenized Energy, the potential rollback threatens ongoing and future projects. Advocates argue that dismantling Solar For All contradicts the stated national interest in addressing the energy crisis and expanding clean energy access.
energysolar-energyrenewable-energysolar-powerclean-energyenergy-policycommunity-solarPrologis Launches Into Large Community Solar Rooftop Initiative In Illinois - CleanTechnica
Prologis, a global logistics real estate company, has launched a significant community solar rooftop initiative in Illinois, beginning with a project in Franklin Park. This marks the first of an anticipated 45 rooftop solar projects totaling 82 megawatts (MW), representing a substantial expansion given that Illinois currently hosts around 200 community solar projects. The initiative aims to direct over half of the energy credits to income-qualified households, thereby increasing access to clean energy in underserved communities around Chicago and beyond. Prologis is partnering with ComEd, the regional utility, to deploy these projects, leveraging underutilized industrial rooftops to provide renewable energy options and reduce energy costs for local customers. The project aligns with Illinois’ pro-solar policies, including incentives introduced under Governor JB Pritzker’s administration and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which have fostered growth in the state’s renewable energy sector. State and local officials have praised the initiative for its dual focus on environmental benefits and socioeconomic equity
energysolar-powercommunity-solarrenewable-energyclean-energysolar-rooftopsenergy-equityLuján Reintroduces Community Solar Bill To Counter GOP Attacks On Clean Energy - CleanTechnica
Senator Ben Ray Luján has reintroduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act in response to Republican efforts to repeal clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislation aims to expand access to community solar projects for families and businesses historically excluded from the clean energy transition, particularly low-income households. The bill mandates electric utilities to offer community solar options to all customers, requires affordable subscription models, and prioritizes equity. It also authorizes the Department of Energy to provide financial assistance through grants, loans, and technical support to accelerate deployment of shared solar projects nationwide. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced a matching bill in the House, emphasizing that many Americans are locked out of rooftop solar due to renting, living in multi-family buildings, or upfront costs. The legislation seeks to break down these barriers by enabling more Americans to benefit from clean energy, save on electric bills, and create good-paying clean energy jobs. While the bill does not reinvent the community solar model,
energyclean-energysolar-powercommunity-solarrenewable-energyenergy-policysolar-legislationAgrivoltaics Makes The Leap From Rural To Urban Farming
energyagrivoltaicssolar-powerurban-farmingcommunity-solardecarbonizationsustainabilityVerified Benefits Empower Valuable Community Partnerships with Social RECs - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energycommunity-solarclean-energysocial-RECsenergy-transitionjob-trainingUnlock the Full Potential of Community Solar - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energycommunity-solarclean-energysolar-powergrid-resilienceenergy-independenceAligned Climate Capital's Largest Solar Fund Exceeds $200 Million Target - CleanTechnica
energysolarclean-energysustainabilityinvestmentcommunity-solarrenewable-energyCommunity Solar Could Spark $120 Billion In US Economic Growth
community-solareconomic-growthrenewable-energysolar-powerUS-economyclean-technologysustainabilityCalifornians Could Save $6.5 Billion With Community Solar & Storage
community-solarenergy-storageCaliforniaclean-energycost-savingsrenewable-energyelectricity-customers