Joe Biden’s new plan: solar power for everyone, not just the rich
Author: Justine Calma
The Biden administration has new plans to get lower-income households hooked up to solar energy. That’s supposed to reduce electricity bills while also promoting clean energy. The White House announced two new programs today aimed at expanding access to “community solar” projects among subsidized housing residents and households that receive federal assistance to pay their utility bills. It also launched a new rewards program for existing community solar projects. Community solar essentially lets many different households share the benefits of one shared solar array. The most common way this takes shape is through a subscription program. A solar company or nonprofit organization will build out a solar farm, and then households that subscribe to the program get credit back on their electricity bills for the energy generated by the shared solar farm. And compared to traditional home solar setups, community programs are meant to reach way more people - particularly renters and anyone who can’t shell out some $25,000 to install PV panels on their home.