Tag: solar energy

Friday Flashback to Indiana Renewable Energy Day: Munster Environmental Club Advocates for Community Solar

Remember back in February when the Indiana Statehouse positively buzzed with energy – the renewable kind! Indiana’s Renewable Energy Day was in full swing, and the enthusiasm and determination of activists from across the state was infectious.

A group of young people who made the trek from Northwest Indiana weren’t just there to check a box or participate in a school trip—they were there to make their voices heard on issues that are critical to their future.

Champions of Independent Community Solar

Student members of the Environmental Club from Munster High School showed up to express their support for independent community solar, the idea that individuals and communities should be able to invest in their own solar projects, breaking the monopoly stranglehold of large utility companies.

They spoke with informed confidence, tackling a complex issue with ease. Legislators listened intently, recognizing the power of these young voices shaping not just a distant future, but the decisions of today.

The Power of Youthful Activism

There’s something undeniably powerful about seeing young people take the lead on issues like climate change and renewable energy. Their urgency injects a much-needed wake-up call, their voices carrying a moral clarity often missing in adult debate.

Events like Renewable Energy Day at the Statehouse aren’t just about policy change. They’re about building a movement, inspiring the next generation of leaders, and creating a sense of hope that positive change is truly possible.

If you missed Renewable Energy Day earlier this year, be sure to catch us at the Statehouse next year, when we hope Indiana lawmakers will take up and pass independent community solar so that all Hoosiers can enjoy the benefits of and savings from clean energy.

April 26, 2024
Solar for All? Federal Investment in Indiana Will Help Low-Income Hoosier Families

The White House and the EPA made a big splash on Earth Day with their announcement of $7 billion in funding to make sure solar energy is available to low-income families.

The Solar for All funding is the jump-start we need to ensure equitable access to solar energy and to get the transition to clean energy moving quicker.

Solar for All is “unprecedented,” said Warren Leon, executive director of the Clean Energy States Alliance. “There’s never been an initiative anywhere near as big for expanding solar for the benefit of low- and moderate-income households across the country. This is going to give a tremendous boost to an important share of the solar market that has not received sufficient attention in the past.”

The 60 selected programs, administered by state agencies, municipalities, tribal governments, and nonprofits, will use grants and low-cost financing to develop community solar, rooftop solar, and battery storage for individual homes and multifamily affordable buildings.

In some cases, the Solar for All grants will help grow existing programs, including large ones in California and New York, Leon said. But for 25 states and territories, this will be the first time they’re getting low-income solar programs, he noted. Among the newcomers — most of them Republican-leaning states — are Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Canary Media, April 2024, “Solar is about to get a lot more affordable for low-income households”

Indiana is one of those states—and this funding could be a game-changer, both for traditional solar installations as well as independent community solar if the state’s laws are redesigned to allow for it.

Traditionally, upfront costs have been a barrier for many Hoosiers to consider solar panels for their homes. This funding will help address that by creating new incentives, such as rebates or tax breaks, that can significantly reduce the financial burden.

With a community solar law in place that allows independent, local projects to move forward, solar could truly become a reality for tens of thousands more Hoosiers. Community solar projects allow renters, those in multi-family homes and others who cannot put solar on their rooftops to benefit from solar energy by subscribing to a community solar farm and receiving credits on their electricity bills.

Overall, this federal funding is a huge step forward in making solar energy a viable option for more Indiana residents. It will lower energy costs for low-income families, create jobs in the solar industry and move the state closer to its clean energy goals.

April 25, 2024
BREAKING: Feds Announce Solar For All Grants, Indiana Awarded $117 Million

Big news for solar energy and community solar in Indiana: Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced 60 grantees that will receive $7 billion in awards through the Solar for All grant competition to deliver residential solar projects to over 900,000 households nationwide. The grant competition is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, which created EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

An application from the Indiana Community Action Association, Inc. (IN-CAA) was selected to receive more than $117 million in funding.

“SFA Indiana (SFAI) is a coalition of municipal governments and community entities in Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, and Columbus, combined with six statewide organizations. The coalition will collectively solarize low-income homes while transforming the market in Indiana by creating new financial products and incentives that jumpstart solar for low-income residents, new affordable housing developments, and more. In dialogue with utility companies, and in tandem with school-to-work industry development efforts, the coalition is committed to leading toward solar in Indiana from the grassroots upward.”

From the EPA press release:

“Solar is the cheapest form of electricity—and one of the best ways to lower energy costs for American families,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “Today’s announcement of EPA’s Solar for All awards will mean that low-income communities, and not just well-off communities, will feel the cost-saving benefits of solar thanks to this investment.”

“Residential solar electricity leads to reduced monthly utility bills, reduced levels of air pollution in neighborhoods, and ultimately healthier communities, but too often low-income and disadvantaged communities have been left out. Today’s announcement will invest billions to ensure that affordable housing across the U.S. can access solar and increase energy efficiency and climate resilience,” said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “HUD is honored to have played a key role in today’s monumental announcement, which will provide meaningful household savings to households in low-income and disadvantaged communities, reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, and deliver electricity during grid outages for low-income households.”
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April 2024, “Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7 Billion Solar for All Grants to Deliver Residential Solar, Saving Low-Income Americans $350 Million Annually and Advancing Environmental Justice Across America”

With a community solar law in Indiana that would allow independent community solar projects, this funding could unlock clean energy for low- and middle-incoming communities across the state.

Community solar would allow Hoosiers who can’t install panels on their roof, like renters or those with unsuitable roof space, to enjoy the perks of solar energy. By subscribing to a local solar farm, residents would receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. This could translate to savings of 10-15% on their energy costs. Furthermore, community solar farms would bolster Indiana’s clean energy infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a healthier environment.

Today’s announcement is an exciting reminder of the ongoing expansion of solar energy nationwide and here in Indiana—and the potential we have to bring clean energy to all Hoosiers.

April 22, 2024
Do You Live in Southwest Indiana? Join Community Solar Advocates on May 4 for the Evansville Solar Congress
With local utility rates soaring through the roof, solar energy enthusiasts, homeowners and community members are invited to attend the Evansville Solar Congress on May 4.

The free event will focus on the current state and potential of solar energy in Southwest Indiana, providing valuable information about:
- How clean energy can lower energy costs for homeowners, small businesses and community solar participants;
- Incentives available for local solar installations;
- The additional benefits of community solar for those who can’t install their own panels;
- Current policy barriers and how to overcome them.
Attendees will have the chance to network with fellow solar supporters, discover local involvement opportunities and take actionable steps to promote solar adoption in the region.

Event Details:

Evansville Solar Congress
Saturday, May 4
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. CDT
Bethlehem United Church of Christ
6400 Oak Hill Road
Evansville, IN 47725

Cost: Free (food and refreshments provided)

Registration: Evansville-SC.eventbrite.com

About Solar United Neighbors

Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Indiana and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. SUN holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.
April 22, 2024
In Boston, a Vision for a Future Powered by the Sun and Owned by the Community

The Boston Community Solar Cooperative kicked off about 15 months ago in the wake of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides a number of ways to embrace solar energy.

Like us, they’re not just focused on community solar, but on local, independent ownership of community solar.

From their website:

The group’s founder recently sat down for a Q&A about their plan to place a solar project on the roof of the Dorchester Food Co-op and to launch a community-owned solar cooperative.

Community solar, as a concept, has been around for probably a little over 15 years. The idea behind community-owned solar was that many households or renters may not have locations that are suitable for installing a solar array on a rooftop, so community solar was born out of the idea that we could have a solar system somewhere on the grid, and people who use [its] power somewhere else on the grid.

At the Boston Community Solar Cooperative, we are creating what we refer to as a “community solar 2.0 model.” This is a model where, in addition to trying to provide the environmental benefit of clean energy — meaning lower costs, no fossil fuel use to generate power — we’re also trying to help communities with the wealth gap by having members of communities actually own the solar arrays that are used to generate power.
WGBH, April 2024, “A Boston nonprofit is bringing community-owned solar power — and profit — to low-income neighborhoods”

In urban landscapes like Boston across the nation, nonprofit organizations are pioneering community-owned solar power projects aimed at bringing renewable energy—and its economic benefits—directly to low-income neighborhoods.

These projects typically involve local residents in the planning and implementation stages, ensuring that the community not only benefits from reduced energy costs but also receives a share of the profits generated. This model not only promotes environmental sustainability but also economic empowerment by creating jobs and providing training opportunities in the burgeoning green tech sector.

These kind of initiatives often rely on government grants, private donations and innovative financing models to overcome the initial cost barriers associated with solar installations. Once operational, these solar arrays can significantly reduce energy bills for community members and generate revenue from excess power sold back to the grid.

The success of these projects hinges on community engagement. Educational workshops and meetings help demystify the technology and the economics of solar power, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among participants. Moreover, these projects serve as tangible demonstrations of the feasibility and benefits of renewable energy, inspiring other communities to pursue similar initiatives.

As more cities recognize the potential of community-owned solar power, this model could serve as a blueprint for sustainable development, particularly in underserved areas. By investing in renewable energy, we’re not only protecting the environment but also ensuring that its benefits reach all segments of society, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

April 21, 2024
Half a Billion Dollars to Build Community Solar?

When it comes to good news for community solar developments across the country, the stories don’t get get much better than this:

Nexamp, a community solar developer and project owner, has secured a whopping $520 million to install solar arrays around the nation in one of the largest capital raises to date for this growing sector.

Community solar gives renters, small businesses and organizations the chance to benefit from local solar power even if they can’t put panels on their own roofs. The approach has helped households across more than 20 states access solar that they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to. The Department of Energy aims for 5 million households around the country to sign up for community solar by next year.

Policies differ state-by-state, but typically, community solar subscribers pay a monthly charge and then receive a credit on their utility bills for the power generated by their fraction of a solar array. This credit is usually larger than the fee they pay. In many states, community solar has gained bipartisan support because of its benefits to low-income households now burdened by disproportionate energy bills.
Canary Media, April 2024, “Nexamp nabs $520M to build community solar across the US”

Community solar projects are important to the equitable and inclusive future of clean energy because they allow participants to benefit from solar power without needing to install panels on their own property. Instead, they can subscribe to a share of a larger solar project located offsite.

This arrangement is particularly beneficial in states with supportive community solar legislation, as these laws typically include mechanisms for billing and crediting participants for the energy produced, making solar more accessible and financially viable for a wider audience.

Because Indiana does not have a law allowing independent community solar, we risk losing clean energy jobs and economic investment, and our state will not be able to fully harness the power of the sun as quickly as states that have embraced community solar for all.

Click here to learn more about community solar and send a message to Hoosier lawmakers that you’d like them to consider independent community solar legislation in Indiana.

April 18, 2024
New Virginia Community Solar Law Reflects Compromise and Makes Incremental Progress

Last week, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a bill designed to improve and expand shared solar access in Dominion Energy territories and create a shared solar program for customers in southwest Virginia.

The Virginia legislation will enable up to 150 MW to be added to Dominion Energy’s shared solar program, allowing certain projects located on rooftops, brownfields, landfills, or dual-use agricultural facilities to be eligible for incentives determined by the Virginia Department of Energy. It will also create a shared solar program of 50 MW for Appalachian Power Company.

The Coalition for Community Solar Access was hoping that the bills would allow 2 GW of community solar between the two utilities, but instead it is just 200 MW. However, while these bills are not as ambitious as hoped by community solar proponents, they represent a bipartisan compromise and will help to launch shared solar in this southern state. Both bills require that utilities consider the benefits of shared solar to the electric grid and to the State when calculating the minimum bill for customers.
PV Magazine, April 2024, “Virginia governor signs legislation establishing community solar”

Bringing more clean energy into the mix is a good thing, but Hoosiers for Community Solar hopes Indiana will go beyond utility-owned community solar to ensure everyone can harness the power of the sun.

Utility-owned community solar projects offer a straightforward path for consumers to access renewable energy, often facilitated by their existing relationship with their utility provider. These projects can provide a sense of reliability and simplicity, as they are managed by established entities. However, the true potential of community solar lies in projects that are independently owned and operated.

Independent community solar represents the gold standard for consumer benefits for several reasons. First, it fosters a competitive market, leading to more favorable pricing and innovative service offerings for consumers. Without the monopoly influence of a single utility provider, independent projects must vie for consumer attention, which can result in better deals for customers.

Moreover, independent community solar projects are typically more aligned with community interests. They can be more responsive to local needs and support local hiring within the community, and they often have a stronger commitment to environmental stewardship. This local focus not only benefits the community directly but also increases the overall sustainability impact of the solar project.

Finally, the flexibility of independent projects allows for more consumer choice in terms of subscription models, contract lengths and the specific environmental benefits provided. Consumers can choose projects that match their values, whether that’s supporting local job creation, maximizing environmental impact or prioritizing cost savings. This level of choice and personalization is something that utility-owned projects, which often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, can rarely match.

As we look toward the future in Indiana, utility-owned community solar projects can be a step in the right direction, but independent community solar offers a richer set of benefits that align more closely with Hoosiers’ interests and the broader goal of empowering more people to be part of the renewable energy movement.

April 16, 2024
Can Indiana Do Better Than 33rd Place in New Wallethub “Green” State Ranking?

According to a new Wallethub study, Indiana ranks as one of the least “green” states in the nation.

The study was based on 25 metrics including air quality, energy efficiency, green buildings per capita, and gasoline consumption. Indiana was ranked 33rd out of the 50 states in the study.

In environmental quality, Indiana was ranked 8th. The state was also tied for second in air quality with Wyoming. Indiana was also ranked 39th in eco-friendly behaviors and 41st in climate change contributions.
WIBC, April 2024, “Wallethub: Indiana is One of the Least “Green” States in the U.S.”

To elevate our green ranking, Indiana could embrace statewide, independent community solar policy. Community solar allows residents to benefit from solar energy without having to install panels on their property, ideal for those who rent, live in apartments or have shaded rooftops. Indiana’s push towards community solar could significantly improve its standings in eco-friendly behaviors and energy efficiency, two areas where the state currently lags.

By investing in community solar, Indiana could lower energy costs for its residents, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve air quality. These projects could also stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and encouraging technological innovation. As community solar projects become more widespread, they could serve as a tangible demonstration of Indiana’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Moreover, community solar projects can enhance community resilience against power outages and reduce the state’s carbon footprint, addressing the climate change contributions metric where Indiana currently ranks poorly. By focusing on community solar, Indiana can not only climb the ranks of the greenest states but also set a precedent for sustainable living for other states in the Midwest to follow.

April 11, 2024
Federal Community Solar Program Extends 31% Average Monthly Bill Savings to Low-Income Households
Good news for residents of states participating in the federal community solar program: Low-income households who subscribe through the Clean Energy Connector software can save an average of 31% on their monthly electricity bills.

The Clean Energy Connector is a digital tool that makes community solar subscriptions with savings more accessible to households participating in government-run, low-income support programs.

The initial phase of the federally run Clean Energy Connector program is offering subscriptions in Washington D.C., Illinois, and New Mexico. The Biden-Harris administration said this phase is expected to extend $15 million in annual savings to 40,000 households, which equates to about $31 in average monthly savings per household per month.
PV Magazine, April 8, 2024

Community solar is a great way for people who can’t install solar panels on their own roofs to benefit from solar energy. By subscribing to a community solar project, residents can purchase electricity from a shared solar installation. This can be a much more affordable option than installing solar panels on your own home.

The Clean Energy Connector software makes it easy for residents to find and subscribe to community solar projects. The software also tracks the amount of solar energy that each resident is using so they can be billed accordingly.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Clean Energy Connector will be open to additional states throughout 2024 and 2025 if those states that have:
- Active community solar programs with specific measures to ensure access for low- to moderate-income customers.
- New low-income community solar capacity coming online and are seeking subscribers within the next year.
- Secured support for the Connector from both the state community solar and state Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program administering agencies. The agencies must agree to collaborate and commit staff resources to pilot the Connector.
Without a community solar program in place, Indiana will not be able to participate in this program.

What this means for Indiana in the long term

The extension of the federal community solar program to low-income households would be a positive development for Indiana. The program could help reduce energy costs for low-income residents, and it could also spur the development of new solar energy projects in the state.

Indiana has a lot of potential for solar energy development. The state has a large amount of unused land that could be used for solar farms. Additionally, Indiana has a relatively sunny climate, which makes it a good location for solar energy production.

The federal community solar program could help to accelerate the solar energy industry in Indiana. By making solar energy more affordable for low-income residents, the program could create a new market for solar energy developers. This could lead to the development of new solar farms in the state, which would create jobs and boost the state’s economy.

In addition to the economic benefits, the development of solar energy in Indiana would also have environmental benefits. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy, which does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. By increasing its use of solar energy, Indiana could help to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change.

The extension of the federal community solar program to low-income households could be a huge opportunity for Indiana. As pilot programs launch in other states, we’ll be able to see the potential to help reduce energy costs for low-income residents, spur the development of new solar energy projects and create jobs that boost the state’s economy.
April 9, 2024
Turning Trash into Treasure: How Community Solar Could Breathe New Life into Landfills

Solar energy is a rapidly growing renewable energy source, but finding suitable locations for solar farms can be a challenge. In many cases, siting solar farms in neighborhoods can be met with opposition from residents. However, a new solution is emerging that could turn a potential eyesore into a valuable community asset: building community solar farms on landfills.

Landfills offer several advantages for solar development. They are often closed and capped, meaning they are no longer accepting waste and have a stable surface suitable for solar panels. Additionally, landfills are typically located on the outskirts of towns and cities, where they receive ample sunlight. Many landfills also have existing electrical infrastructure nearby, which can be used to connect the solar farm to the grid.

There are, however, some engineering challenges to consider when building solar farms on landfills. The landfill cap needs to be carefully engineered to support the weight of the solar panels and ensure that the panels do not disturb the landfill liner. Additionally, methane gas is a byproduct of decomposing waste in landfills, and special precautions need to be taken to ensure that the solar farm does not create a hazard.

Despite these challenges, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has created a new opportunities for solar development—on landfills and in other non-traditional spaces. The IRA includes tax credits for solar projects on brownfields, which is a term that encompasses landfills. These tax credits could significantly reduce the cost of developing solar farms on landfills, making them a more attractive option for developers.

Building community solar farms on landfills presents a potential a win-win proposition, especially in states like Indiana. It allows communities to generate clean, renewable energy while making use of land that would otherwise be unusable. The tax credits included in the IRA could help to accelerate this trend and make community solar on landfills a more common sight across the country.

April 8, 2024
Pennsylvania community solar legislation moves forward in House with promise of clean energy for renters

Community solar legislation is on the move in Pennsylvania after legislation cleared the House of Representatives last week by a 111-99 vote.

This innovative initiative will allow residents who rent their homes—among others—to benefit from the cost savings and environmental advantages of solar energy.

While the technology is growing in many communities, bill sponsor Allentown Democratic Rep. Peter Schweyer said areas like the one he represents – of which renters make up 65% – have row homes and historic districts where solar panels cannot be installed.

Not taking advantage of available federal grants, Schweyer said during a recent committee hearing, would decrease the likelihood of the bill moving forward. An emphasis was placed on making sure there are zero negative impacts on non-solar ratepayers.

“For years, we’ve been hung up on how to help the development of community solar,” he said during the floor vote Tuesday. “And many both inside our chamber and outside of our chamber have rightfully insisted that the costs of these developments should never be pushed onto other ratepayers.”
The Center Square, March 30

Breaking Down Barriers for Renters

Traditionally, renters have been excluded from the solar energy market due to the installation process typically requiring modifications to the roof. This new plan removes those barriers by focusing on community solar projects. Under this model, renters could subscribe to a solar farm and receive credits on their electricity bills for the power generated.

Federal Subsidies Paving the Way

The Pennsylvania plan leverages federal subsidies to make community solar accessible to renters. These subsidies will help offset the upfront costs associated with developing and maintaining solar farms, making solar energy a more attractive option for both renters and project developers.

Concerns and Considerations

While the plan represents a significant step forward, lawmakers have expressed concerns about the long-term costs of decommissioning solar panels once they reach the end of their lifespan. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the program.

A Bright Future for Indiana

The success of Pennsylvania’s renter-friendly solar plan serves as a beacon of hope for states like Indiana that have yet to implement similar legislation. As Indiana grapples with its own energy future, exploring community solar initiatives that benefit all residents, regardless of their housing situation, should be a top priority.

By following Pennsylvania’s lead, Indiana could unlock the potential of solar energy and create a more equitable and sustainable energy landscape for all Hoosiers.

April 1, 2024
Utility Dive: “Utilities must come clean about the full value of community solar”

Independent community solar policy that creates competitive and transparent markets for development often draws pushback from monopoly-owned utilities.

Jeff Cramer, CEO of Coalition for Community Solar Access, and John Farrell, co-director of the Institute for Local Self Reliance, recently wrote an incredible opinion piece for Utility Dive making it clear why utilities are in opposition—and why they often misrepresent the truth.

It’s really rather simple: utilities often oppose customer-driven, third-party owned energy projects like community solar because they threaten to supplant utility investments and shareholder profits. They use “cost-shift” — the idea that when one ratepayer benefits, the others bear the cost — as their bogeyman. And because utility ratemaking happens in a black box, it’s hard for legislators to argue against it.

Community solar provides every household and business the opportunity to subscribe to solar energy without needing to install a system on site. The projects are typically 5 MW and below, serving up to 1,000 households, and a great way to bring bill savings to those who historically haven’t had access to clean energy. Leveraging millions in capital from individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs, community solar means accelerating an all-of-the-above approach to clean energy deployment.

But if we’re going to harness the benefits of community solar, we need the utilities to stop spreading misinformation about costs and come clean about the value these projects bring to the grid.

The truth is that research and numerous cost-benefit analyses show that investing in smaller projects built on the distribution network — like community and rooftop solar — bring unique benefits to all ratepayers on the grid. And when those benefits are properly accounted for, the costs for electric customers are virtually identical to utility-scale projects.
Utility Dive, March 2024

The question facing Hoosiers: Do we want a future defined by innovation, customer choice and healthier energy sources? Or will we cling to outdated monopolies that stifle progress and keep us in the dark ages of electricity?

We are at a crossroads when it comes to how we power our lives and homes, and community solar presents a massive opportunity.

Imagine a grid that’s smarter, cleaner, and puts more control in our hands. We can break free from the monopolies and build a system that lowers our bills, creates healthy competition and drives cutting-edge solutions that leave fossil fuels behind.

The power to shift our outdated grid could be in our hands, but only if we break through the misleading utility rhetoric and show how community solar can work for all Hoosiers.

March 29, 2024
Shine Bright in Indiana: The Power of Community Solar
Hoosiers across Indiana are seeking ways to save money on electricity and embrace clean energy. Community solar offers a revolutionary solution, allowing everyone to benefit from solar power, even if you can’t install panels on your own roof.

How Indiana’s Community Solar Works (or Why It Doesn’t… Yet)

Here’s a breakdown of community solar and its current status in Indiana:
- National Landscape: Across the country, community solar allows individuals, businesses, and organizations to subscribe to a portion of a shared solar array, receiving bill credits based on their share of energy produced.
- Indiana’s Situation: Unfortunately, Indiana has not yet legalized independent community solar programs. However, there are efforts underway to change this!
The Potential Benefits of Community Solar in Indiana

Even though Indiana doesn’t have independent community solar programs yet, here’s what Hoosiers can look forward to:
- Cost Savings: Subscribers can save on their electricity bills, often 10-15%.
- Accessibility: Renters, those with unsuitable roofs, or anyone who can’t afford a personal solar system can access solar benefits.
- Environmental Impact: Supports clean energy generation and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
- Grid Resilience: Boosts local power grids, making them more reliable.
- Community Investment: Community solar projects can bring economic development and jobs to local areas.
How Hoosiers Can Get Involved in Bringing Community Solar to Indiana

Here’s what you can do to advocate for community solar in Indiana:
1. Stay Informed: Follow organizations like Hoosiers for Community Solar to stay updated on advocacy efforts.
2. Contact Representatives: Voice your support for community solar to your state legislators.
3. Spread Awareness: Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about the benefits of community solar and share resources on social media.
Conclusion

While Indiana hasn’t legalized independent community solar yet, there’s a bright future ahead. By staying informed and getting involved, Hoosiers can pave the way for a more sustainable and affordable energy future with community solar.
March 28, 2024
Virginia Mercury: “Bills could expand shared solar programs in Dominion, Appalachian Power territories”
A recent story out of Virginia could give hope to Hoosier advocates that community solar is within reach:

Two bills that would expand the public’s access to shared solar in Virginia are awaiting a signature from Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Shared solar is a program in which solar developers allow people who may be unable to install solar panels on their property to pay a subscription fee to receive energy from their facility. The facilities must generate no more than five megawatts.

The program was created for Dominion Energy customers in 2022 to give property owners whose roofs are unsuitable to hold panels, or who reside on lots that don’t garner enough sunlight to produce electricity, the option of using renewable energy.

But the program was limited to just 150 megawatts of electricity and required a minimum bill charge to cover the costs for distribution and transmission services; low-income subscribers were exempt from paying.

As a result, two years since the program was created, only low-income subscribers have signed up for the program.
Virginia Mercury, March 25, 2024

These bills, aimed at removing regulatory barriers and incentivizing the development of shared solar projects in Dominion and Appalachian Power territories, signify a positive step towards a more equitable and renewable energy future. By facilitating the growth of community solar, policymakers can accelerate the transition to clean energy while ensuring that no community is left behind.

Community solar could bring enormous benefits to Indiana if lawmakers can agree on a statewide policy:
1. Access: One of the most significant advantages of community solar is its inclusivity. By eliminating the need for rooftop installations, community solar opens up renewable energy access to renters, homeowners with shaded roofs and those unable to afford upfront installation costs.
2. Cost Savings: Participants in community solar programs typically benefit from reduced electricity costs. As subscribers receive credits on their utility bills for their share of the solar production, they can lower their overall energy expenses while supporting clean energy generation.
3. Environmental Impact: Community solar contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. By harnessing the power of the sun, these programs promote sustainable energy practices and help combat climate change.
4. Community Engagement: Beyond environmental benefits, community solar fosters a sense of community involvement and cooperation. Local residents and businesses can come together to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, strengthening community bonds and promoting a shared commitment to sustainability.
Hoosier homes and businesses, including low-income families and underserved populations, need new options to expand access to the benefits that solar energy provides.
March 27, 2024
CNET Highlights Some of the Best Solar Panel Installation Companies in Indiana

The burgeoning community solar industry is proving to be a double win for many regions. Not only does it expand access to clean energy for residents who may not be able to install rooftop panels themselves, but it’s also creating a wave of new job opportunities.

These solar jobs often pay a prevailing wage and can include construction, engineering, sales and marketing, offering a chance for local residents to build fulfilling careers while contributing to a sustainable future for their communities.

As community solar projects take root across the country, they’re injecting fresh resources into local economies. The increased demand for skilled labor to develop, install and maintain these solar arrays can translate into a boon for employment rates.

CNET, which publishes reviews, news, articles, blogs, podcasts and videos about technology and consumer electronics globally, recently profiled some of the best Indiana solar installation companies:

Learn more about how solar energy and community solar can help Indiana build its clean energy economy.

March 14, 2024