The first generation of community solar — typically midsize, grid-connected solar projects that community members or organizations can subscribe to — enabled greater access to solar energy in many US states. However, community solar has the potential to do far more for communities.
This report outlines the concept of community solar+: community solar projects that are strategically deployed to maximize local value streams and advance community-wide sustainability and equity goals. With deliberate planning, key stakeholders can design and deploy community solar projects that provide additional benefits to the communities they serve. The analysis, guidance, and recommendations provided in this report illustrate how state and local governments, utilities, developers, and community members can think more deliberately about full project value, and encourage them to do so when planning, designing, and deploying new community solar projects.
Download the report here
