@misc{36332,
  author = {Anthony Sandonato and Bentham Paulos and Greg Leventis},
  title = {Community Solar for Opportunity States: An exploration of development models for community solar projects in states that lack explicit enabling policies},
  abstract = {<p class="Textbox">This report identifies and analyzes alternative models for developing community solar projects in states lacking enabling policies, what we call {\textquotedblleft}opportunity states.{\textquotedblright}</p><p class="Textbox"><strong>Background:</strong></p><ul><li>Traditional community solar models rely on third-party ownership and subscription-based benefits delivered through virtual net metering (VNEM).</li><li>Opportunity states often lack the regulatory framework to support these models, hindering community solar development.</li></ul><p class="Textbox"><strong>Key Findings:</strong></p><ul><li>This report explores three alternative models for opportunity states:<ul><li><strong>Community Benefit Funds:</strong> Solar energy is converted to cash and distributed to beneficiaries (e.g., low-income energy assistance programs).</li><li><strong>Cooperative Ownership Model:</strong> A member-owned cooperative develops and owns the solar project, with members receiving benefits through dividends.</li><li><strong>Project Configuration \&amp; Technology:</strong>\&nbsp;Projects are reconfigured or utilize new technologies to deliver benefits within existing net metering rules (e.g., solutions for multifamily buildings).</li></ul></li></ul>},
  year = {2024},
  month = {06/2024},
}