%0 Generic
%A Anthony Sandonato
%A Bentham Paulos
%A Greg Leventis
%D 2024
%T Community Solar for Opportunity States: An exploration of development models for community solar projects in states that lack explicit enabling policies
%8 00
%X <p class="Textbox">This report identifies and analyzes alternative models for developing community solar projects in states lacking enabling policies, what we call “opportunity states.”</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>