Newsflash: A Powerful Way to Expand Solar Access

Political Climate

How can you go solar when you can’t put panels on your roof? Don't worry, there is a way! Through shared solar arrays — a model known as community solar.

In this Political Climate Newsflash episode, host Julia Pyper and producer Maria Virginia Olano are joined by Canary Media Staff Writer Alison Takemura to discuss the growing popularity of community solar. Currently there are 4.9 gigawatts of community solar installed in the United States, and big plans to grow that number exponentially over the next decade.

Not only does community solar put more clean energy on the grid and help states and municipalities reach their climate and clean energy goals, but it can also save people money on their electric bills. But the success of community solar projects often hinges on putting the right policies in place.

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Recommended reading:

• Canary Media: What is community solar? And how can you sign up?
• Canary Media: Will California finally fix its community solar programs?
• U.S. Department of Energy: DOE Sets 2025 Community Solar Target to Power 5 Million Homes
• Institute for Local Self-Reliance: National Community Solar Programs Tracker
• Canary Media: How cities and counties can grow their clean energy profiles

Political Climate is brought to you by MCE. Today, MCE offers nearly 40 Bay Area communities almost twice as much renewable energy as the state average. The power of MCE is about more than clean energy — it’s the power of people over profit. Learn more at mceCleanEnergy.org.