DOE Urges Solar Industry to Triple Community Solar by 2025: A Bold Challenge Ahead
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is challenging the community solar industry to triple its capacity to 20 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2025, a significant increase from the current seven GW. This initiative, announced at the National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP) Annual Summit, aligns with the DOE's goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Marootian emphasized the importance of community solar in reaching these targets. The NCSP, in collaboration with the DOE, aims to provide the industry with the necessary tools and information to make accessible and affordable community solar available to every American household.
The target of 20 GW was set in 2021, with projections indicating it could power five million households and generate $1 billion in energy savings for subscribers. A new report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests that the potential community solar capacity could exceed one terawatt, benefiting over 53 million households and 300,000 businesses unable to access rooftop solar.
To support this challenge, the NCSP announced initiatives, including the Equitable Solar Communities of Practice, focusing on areas like consumer protections, household savings, resilience, economic development, and solar workforce. Additionally, the Least-Cost Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion (LODGE) Model was introduced to identify cost-effective ways to site community solar on the grid, aiming to minimize interconnection costs and streamline the deployment process.
This comprehensive approach emphasizes equity, affordability, and efficiency in advancing community solar, contributing to the broader national clean energy goals.
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