U.S. distributed solar capacity grows by 6.8 GW in 2025 as Maine leads on per capita basis
A 2025 update from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) finds that small-scale solar installations accounted for 19% of the 36 GW of total solar capacity added to the national grid last year.
U.S. community solar passes 10 GW milestone despite market contraction
The industry installed 1.4 GW in 2025, a drop from 2024 levels as leading markets like New York and Maine slowed.
Minnesota community solar garden program officially named for House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman
Hortman’s legacy shapes how Minnesota approaches energy policy and her impact extends nationwide as the program continues to be a model followed by other states.
Community-scale solar offers $6.5 billion in savings, bypassing California gridlocks
Localized distribution-level projects can cut out-of-state energy imports by 13% while providing a faster alternative to delayed transmission-scale infrastructure, said a report by Pathfinder Communications.
Colorado PUC decision codifies environmental justice advocates’ settlement with Xcel Energy
A coalition of environmental justice groups is celebrating a Colorado Public Utilities Commission decision that will dedicate more funding to income-qualified programs.
California proposed decision on community solar ‘virtually ensures no projects will be built’
The California Public Utilities Commission approved a new community renewable energy program that critics argue favors investor-owned utilities while failing to create a workable market for distributed resources.
PowerBank announces $1.1M in new funding for New York community solar project
The 7.1 MW Jordan Rd 2 project funding announcement comes nearly one month after similar news about the company’s 7 MW Jordan Rd 1 project. Both installations will operate as community solar facilities following construction.
Perch Energy and Solstice merger scales to 3 GW amid global energy volatility
The combined community solar platform aims to insulate 16 states from rising retail electricity rates and fossil fuel price spikes through automated subscriber management and expanded project pipelines.
Minnesota LMI community solar reaches 179 MW amid regulatory shifts
The state’s shift to a “capped” system means developers are now racing for limited space. The program exceeds its goals for low-income participation, addressing access gaps in the energy transition.
Community solar matures as grid congestion pushes a pivot to storage
Industry experts suggest the next era of distributed generation will be defined by hybrid projects, consolidated billing, and federal tax credit bonuses.
