Updated April 17, 2025
Community solar is available in over 40 states across the U.S. but only 22 of those have formal community solar programs in place. That simply means that there is legislation in place which clearly lays out the expectations for the solar company and for the individuals and organizations who sign up.
Many community solar companies will wait for legislation to be in place before they build solar farms in an area. The amount of time and resources it takes to build a solar farm means that it only pays itself off after years of production.
At the moment, several states have community solar legislation under review or in committees, which could greatly expand access to renewable energy. For these bills to pass, it is often helpful if people actively show their support. At the bottom of this article, we go through ways you can help support community solar.
Where Does Community Solar Need Your Support Now?
1. Minnesota
Some troubling developments are coming out of Minnesota. Now, one of the longest running community solar programs in the U.S. is under direct attack. A repeal bill has recently come up that is seeking to eliminate the program completely. This comes after the bill credit savings were eliminated recently in a rate change from Xcel ARR to VOS.
We encourage all Minnesotans to use our toolbox at the bottom of the page to support community solar in the state.
2. Michigan:
A pair of bipartisan bills are advancing through the Michigan Senate Committee on Energy and the Environment. These bills would allow residents to subscribe to offsite solar farms and receive credits on their utility bills. This legislation is supported by a coalition aiming to lower energy costs and promote environmental justice but faces opposition from major utilities like DTE and Consumers Energy.
Read more about it on Planet Detroit
3. Wisconsin:
Community solar legislation (Assembly Bill 258) is under review in the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities. This bill would enable homeowners, renters, and businesses to participate in community solar projects. It has broad bipartisan support but faces pushback from utilities concerned about competition. The bill is expected to move forward with significant public backing.
Learn more about community solar in Wisconsin on these two websites:
Wisconsin Energy Institute
Wisconsin for Community Solar
4. California and Colorado:
These states are expanding their existing community solar programs. In Colorado, changes were approved to focus on inclusive community solar development with benefits for low-income households. California's Public Utilities Commission has made strides with new community energy programs.
Read more about it in PV Magazine USA.
4. California and Colorado:
These states are expanding their existing community solar programs. In Colorado, changes were approved to focus on inclusive community solar development with benefits for low-income households. California's Public Utilities Commission has made strides with new community energy programs.
Read more about it in PV Magazine USA.
Federal Impacts on Community Solar
Low-Income Community Bonus Credit (LICBC) Update: April 2025
The Low-Income Community Bonus Credit (LICBC) program continues to offer a valuable boost to solar projects, providing an additional 10% (siting) or 20% (offtake) bonus on top of the existing 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This applies to projects under 5MW and supports a national capacity of up to 1.8 GW annually.
Despite strong interest, the program is currently understaffed, with only one person reportedly managing all aspects. This has resulted in application delays, with many projects still awaiting results.
Tariff Update
Former President Trump has imposed a new 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with China-specific tariffs rising to 125%. While reciprocal tariffs are paused for 90 days, this could increase costs by up to $0.45/W for projects using imported materials. PSE is actively pursuing domestic procurement strategies to offset the impact.
Federal Budget & Policy Watch: Both the House and Senate have passed budget resolutions, but with vastly different spending goals. As reconciliation bill drafting begins (targeting Memorial Day), attention is also on the proposed Ending Intermittent Energy Subsidies Act. This bill would phase out solar and wind incentives over five years, though passage remains uncertain.
Industry Note: On March 9th, 21 GOP House members urged tax code changes that support private investment and domestic manufacturing without disrupting clean energy momentum.
What Can You Do Today to Support Community Solar
To support these efforts, here’s what you can do:
- Contact your legislators: Call, email or send a letter to your state representatives to voice your support for community solar legislation. Mention the economic and environmental benefits. We’ve created a convenient template for you to use at the bottom of this article.
- Join advocacy groups: Organizations like the Coalition for Community Solar Access (in Wisconsin) or local environmental coalitions can amplify your voice.
- Attend hearings or town halls: Being present at committee hearings or town halls shows legislators that there is strong public support.
- Spread awareness: Use social media or community platforms to share information about the legislation and encourage others to take action. See the below social media kit to help spread awareness about community solar.
- Word of Mouth: Tell your neighbors, friends and family about community solar and how they can help support legislation in your state.
Every little bit counts toward building a clean energy future for all Americans. Community solar helps build that future through expanding clean energy access, promoting energy equity, supporting climate goals, stimulate local economies, and promote environmental sustainability.
Use the Templates to Get Started
We will be updating these periodically to make them even better. Check back every once and while.
Template
Letter & Email
Use this template as your starting point. Personalize it to make it more relevant to your state and your values.
Template
Social Media Post
Open the social media post content and copy and paste the text into your platform of choice.
Graphic
Great for Jobs
Download this graphic and share to your favorite platform.
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Savings
Download this graphic and share to your favorite platform.
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Combat Climate Change
Download this graphic and share to your favorite platform.
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Energy Independence
Download this graphic and share to your favorite platform.
If you have supported community solar in any way, whether it’s subscribing to a community solar farm, or spreading awareness of its benefits, we would love to hear your story. Simply drop write us an email at customercare@pureskyenergy.com or call us at 1-877-267-8727.
