Bill > HR4162

This bill establishes a comprehensive Community Solar Consumer Choice Program to expand access to community solar energy for various groups, including low and moderate-income individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities. The Secretary of Energy is required to create this program within one year of the bill's enactment, with the goal of increasing participation in community solar projects. The bill mandates that non-Tribal electric utilities offer community solar programs with equitable access for all ratepayers, and provides Tribal utilities the option to develop their own programs. It defines a community solar facility as a solar photovoltaic system that can allocate electricity to multiple consumers, be located on or off-site, and potentially be owned by utilities, subscribers, or third parties. The legislation also requires state regulatory authorities to begin considering and implementing these community solar standards within specified timeframes, and allows for flexibility for states that have already taken similar actions. Additionally, the bill expands the Department of Energy's existing programs to include community solar initiatives and allows federal contracts for public utility services to extend up to 30 years, which could help support long-term solar infrastructure development. The overall aim is to make solar energy more accessible and affordable for a broader range of consumers, particularly those who may not have the ability to install solar panels on their own properties.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4162/all-info