David Wright highlighted some of the challenges specific to solar programs in LIDACs. Solar is more expensive in these communities because of decades of underinvestment in basic infrastructure tracing back to discriminatory policies like redlining. Groundswell develops solar projects in LIDACs, runs subscriber management programs for community solar, and reduces household energy burdens through energy efficiency programs. They also offer an Accelerating Low-Income Financing and Transactions (LIFT) solar toolkit to help developers plan projects in LIDACs.
A year ago, the U.S. passed the Inflation Reduction Act, giving the world’s biggest historical emitter of carbon dioxide its first major piece of legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. So, how have the first 12 months of this historic climate law gone? In a special series, Canary Media takes stock of the law’s impact so far — and the work that remains to be done.
The benefits of going green can have a direct positive impact on the bottom line at nonprofits now that guidance for the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law one year ago, has been finalized.
Direct payments to cities, tribes, nonprofits, and other entities that don’t pay taxes could dramatically expand clean energy growth and boost community ownership.
Community solar projects serving low to moderate-income (LMI) households are among the fastest-growing segments of the solar industry, yet the models and best practices needed to build and finance a successful community solar project serving this group are still being explored and refined. In response to this growing need, the LIFT Solar Everywhere project researched optimal LMI community solar project finance models and customer experience models across different utility service environments.
The country has come a long way since the first community solar project went online in 2006. That 304-kilowatt shared renewable energy program is now among more than 2,000 nationwide solar projects meant to remove financial and residential barriers to going solar. But the low-income communities these programs are supposed to help remain underserved. Could a boost in federal funding and a slew of new tax incentives compel more churches to help close community solar gaps?