At the RE+ clean energy industry conference, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced a significant expansion of its National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP). The enhanced program, now known as NCSP+, will broaden its scope beyond community solar to include residential and distributed rooftop solar + storage, as well as commercial solar projects. A key focus will be on expanding affordable clean energy access to low-income and disadvantaged communities. The initiative also includes measures to prevent predatory practices in the rooftop solar industry, safeguarding consumers in vulnerable areas. 3l4w5r

“DOE is committed to ensuring the meaningful benefits of solar energy are available to all Americans, especially those who need it the most,” said Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at DOE. “NCSP+ will expand the program’s reach and impact, helping schools, nonprofits, and affordable housing communities unlock access to solar resources and more equitable clean energy options across the nation.”

Community solar sees exponential growth 6v5p4a

Over the past six years, community solar project capacity in the US has grown by nearly 500%, from 1.5 gigawatts in 2018 to over 7.8 gigawatts today. The NCSP has played a vital role in this expansion, providing technical assistance to 163 organizations across 36 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. This has facilitated the growth of the community solar market, making solar energy more accessible across the country.

Boosting equitable solar deployment through federal initiatives 2s2r3c

Since the age of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, the federal government has distributed more than $8 billion in clean energy tax breaks and rebates to consumers. This has spurred $265 million in new clean energy investments across the US Additionally, state and federal programs, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, are accelerating solar adoption in underserved communities.

Increasing access to the benefits of solar energy 6p6q3y

Under NCSP+, the DOE will fund both the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. These institutions will provide technical assistance, peer networking, and learning resources for community solar projects, as well as for residential and commercial rooftop solar + storage systems. The aim is to install solar s on schools, affordable housing, and distributed solar projects like virtual power plants and microgrids.

NCSP+ will also expand the Community Power Accelerator, an online platform that connects clean energy projects with investors. This expanded marketplace will now include solar + storage projects, providing new tools and resources for developers to access financing. The Accelerator will offer additional courses on solar + storage technologies, with new resources expected to launch by early 2025.

Fighting predatory practices in the solar industry 573m3c

The DOE is collaborating with the US Department of the Treasury, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission to address fraudulent and predatory behavior in the rooftop solar industry. This new interagency partnership will enhance data collection and allow for the development of consumer protection programs, particularly in disadvantaged communities. DOE's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) is actively involved in educating consumers and establishing industry standards to curb predatory practices in the marketplace.