Despite a significant decrease in market valuation, solar energy remains unattainable for many people. Installing rooftop solar panels has high initial costs, even with federal tax credits, state incentives and manufacturer rebates. Meanwhile, low-income households may not have suitable roofs for solar panel systems, especially if they rent. This leaves millions of U.S. households behind in benefiting from clean residential energy.
From rural areas to major cities, community solar is delivering a viable solution. However, states must expand these programs through policy and advocacy measures to reduce fossil fuels, make green power more accessible and achieve a more resilient energy future.
Disproportionate Solar Access Burdening Low-Income Households
Amid the plight against climate change and steadfast efforts to achieve clean energy independence, overcoming socioeconomic inequities remains an epic problem. According to one study, 16% of American households experience energy poverty, characterized as those spending over 6% of their income on electricity bills.
The inability to obtain clean energy like solar and wind also affects over 5.2 million households over the federal poverty line, meaning individuals may not qualify for various government-offered benefits and programs.
Yet, greater access to rooftop solar could reduce the severe energy burden for low- to mid-income earners from 67% to 52%, making energy equity invaluable to the successful transition to clean, affordable power.
Empowering Communities Through Equitable Solar Programs
Community solar programs have bridged the energy gap, enabling disproportionately impacted communities, renters and shaded structures to access secure, reliable renewables. Customers can purchase or lease part of larger shared photovoltaic (PV) panel systems through this developing initiative.
These programs have grown almost 500% in the last six years, increasing U.S. solar capacity from 1.5 gigawatts (GW) in 2018 to 7.8 GW in 2024. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in particular, has played a critical role in empowering communities with solar access.
In 2024, the DOE announced it was improving its National Community Solar Partnership to include clean energy for residential rooftop solar systems, distributed electricity through battery storage and commercial solar actions. This would positively impact disadvantaged communities and protect them from unjust industry practices like deceptive sales and predatory financing tactics.
Harvesting the Sun in Agricultural Communities
Improving access to solar energy also affects rural and agricultural communities. Greater access to dependable, clean energy supports other vital resources for optimal farming productivity.
For example, crop growth requires a reliable and consistent water supply to irrigate fields and orchards. Community solar programs can help agricultural communities transition to sustainable energy for powering water pumping systems while lowering energy costs. In turn, farmers can subsidize more essential operations with the money they’ve saved.
In a 2024 interview, assistant professor Kaitlyn Spangler from Penn State University discussed agrivoltaics — the intentional multiuse of land for solar PVs for agriculture. These purposes include food crops, larger-scale farm production, livestock agriculture and creating pollinator-friendly habitats.
Researchers are investigating the potential to harmonize the agricultural and solar energy sectors. However, one concern farmers have is land loss. Although Spangler points out that PVs take up minimal space, losing any acreage and its cultural and aesthetic importance remains controversial.
Emerging Technologies in Community Solar
Technological developments and innovations have enhanced equitable access to energy. For instance, solar microgrids produce and distribute solar energy locally, most benefiting rural communities impacted by natural disasters and extreme weather.
In 2023, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act set aside $1 billion in financial assistance for rural areas to develop clean energy projects, including microgrids. The DOE rolled out the first $300 million in funding in March 2023, with additional financial prospects to come through 2026.
Leveraging blockchain technology in secure and transparent peer-to-peer trading has also helped decentralize energy and facilitate community access to clean power solutions. However, while blockchain promises to combat market fluctuations, safeguard transactions and aid the expansion of renewables, cooperation between stakeholders and policymakers is essential.
Another emerging technology is mobile solar power, a portable energy system that communities can utilize immediately in an emergency. These compact and lightweight mechanisms are especially advantageous to off-grid households, low-income residents without steady grid access and locations prone to natural disasters and outages.
The Power of Policy in Equitable Solar Energy
Making solar energy more accessible and equitable requires robust policies, but they don’t necessarily need to come from the federal level. CEO David Schieren of EmPower Solar in New York says community solar relies more on state incentivization, investments and regulations to get these programs off the ground.
Local governments should target low-income households to partake in community solar initiatives, educating them on clean energy’s efficiencies and savings potential. State and city policymakers should also execute policies based on each community’s unique circumstances. For instance, disadvantaged populations in urban areas will have different community solar needs than those in disaster-stricken or remote areas.
Solar Energy Is for Everyone
The sooner policymakers recognize that clean energy is for everyone rather than a luxury for a handful of high-income earners, the faster the U.S. can attain a sustainable future. Equitable energy access through community solar programs must break down barriers associated with social disparities and environmental injustices.
About the author: Jane works as an environmental and energy writer. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co.
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 