Washington, D.C. (January 4, 2018) – On December 22, the State of Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved a framework to implement a community-based renewable energy program for the people and businesses of Hawaii, also known as community solar. Hawaii has been the number one state, on a per capita basis, for rooftop solar installations, but opportunities have been lacking for those who can’t place a solar system on their roof. The program will greatly expand access to renewable energy options to a wide variety of residents and businesses who weren’t eligible in the past, including renters, those with roofs unsuitable for solar, and others without the financial resources to access traditional rooftop solar. Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) Executive Director Jeff Cramer today issued the following statement in response to the news:
“The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission’s decision to approve a framework for community solar is good news for the people of Hawaii and anyone interested in expanding access to clean, local, affordable energy. This is an important first step toward ensuring that all residents of Hawaii have the opportunity to save money through community solar. The Coalition for Community Solar Access thanks the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission for their leadership moving the program forward. If properly implemented, this program has the opportunity to be a win-win-win for all energy customers, the grid, and the environment.”
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About CCSA: Founded in February 2016, CCSA is a business-led trade organization that works to expand access to clean, local, affordable energy nationwide through community solar. Community solar refers to local solar facilities shared by individual community members, who receive credits on their electricity bills for their portion of the power produced. Community solar projects provide American homeowners, renters and businesses access to the benefits of solar energy generation unconstrained by the physical attributes of their home or business, like roof space, shading, or whether or not they own their residence or building. These programs can also expand access to solar energy to low-income households. For more information, visit the website at www.communitysolaraccess.org, follow the Coalition on Twitter at @solaraccess and like the Coalition on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communitysolaraccess.