DOE Expands Programs That Increase Access to Solar Energy in Disadvantaged Communities

The U.S. Department of Energy expands its National Community Solar Partnership to include rooftop solar + storage and commercial projects, aiming to provide equitable clean energy access in disadvantaged communities.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a significant expansion of its National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP) during the RE+ clean energy industry conference. The newly expanded program, dubbed NCSP+, broadens its focus beyond community solar to include residential and distributed rooftop solar + storage, as well as commercial solar projects. This initiative is part of DOE's mission to increase access to affordable clean energy, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

DOE’s Push for Equitable Clean Energy Solutions

With NCSP+, the DOE aims to ensure that schools, nonprofits, and affordable housing communities can benefit from solar energy resources and unlock more equitable clean energy options across the country. Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the DOE, emphasized the importance of extending the meaningful benefits of solar energy to those who need it the most.

“DOE is committed to ensuring the meaningful benefits of solar energy are available to all Americans, especially those who need it the most,” Marootian said. “NCSP+ will expand the program’s reach and impact, helping schools, nonprofits, and affordable housing communities unlock access to solar resources and more equitable clean energy options across the nation.”

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A Growing Community Solar Market

Community solar in the U.S. has seen remarkable growth, with capacity surging nearly 500% over the last six years—from 1.5 gigawatts (GW) in 2018 to over 7.8 GW in 2023. The NCSP has been instrumental in supporting this growth by providing technical assistance to over 163 organizations across 36 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Additionally, President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed in 2022, has been a catalyst for clean energy investments, distributing over $8 billion in tax breaks and rebates to consumers. Companies have also committed to $265 million in new clean energy investments, aided by federal initiatives such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

Expanding the Community Power Accelerator and Consumer Protections

The NCSP+ will also see the expansion of the Community Power Accelerator, a virtual marketplace connecting credit-ready solar + storage projects with mission-aligned investors and philanthropic organizations. Since its launch in 2023, the Community Power Accelerator has connected 143 community solar projects seeking capital and trained over 150 developers. As the program grows, it will also focus on supporting distributed solar + storage projects, including virtual power plants and microgrids, with new courses and resources set to launch in early 2025.

The DOE is also working with federal agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from fraudulent practices in the rooftop solar market. This new partnership will help monitor market trends and address predatory behavior, ensuring strong consumer protections, particularly for vulnerable communities.