Community

Vote Solar’s Access & Equity Advisory Committee has released a policy brief outlining key initiatives for more successful solar expansion programs.

Also on the rise: Duke Energy starts work on a 50 MW solar array near Charlotte, a solar+storage project nears completion in Massachusetts, and AC Power targets brownfield sites for New Jersey community solar.

Also on the rise: Volta Energy fund nets $72.6 million for battery and storage startups, and Brooklyn libraries add rooftop solar to power safe-haven emergency services.

Developers expect a pair of solar energy bills will propel rapid growth in Keystone State solar. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many national developers are already hiring.

The community solar program powers entire communities with renewable power and passes along guaranteed bill savings. But there’s a novel twist to it.

The proposed initiative would address issues that prevent low-income customers from taking part in Community Shared Solar projects.

Also on the rise: seven teams advance in a DOE-sponsored Li-ion battery recycling competition, ForeFront Power commissions a school-focused solar project, and U Washington researchers say emission goals need to be 80% more ambitious to have a chance of meeting Paris climate goals.

The Uncompahgre Community Solar Garden serves subscribers from 13 Colorado counties and 40 cities.

Tax equity financing for the 24.6 MW of capacity was secured in a partnership with Crestmark, a division of MetaBank N.A.

Under an agreement with Boston-based Nexamp, Big Y is subscribing to 19 solar projects across Massachusetts.