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IRA one year later and the future of community solar

Summary

The article discusses the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on community solar programs in the United States one year after its passage. It highlights the enormous demand for clean energy programs, such as the $7 billion Solar for All (SFA) competitive grant program, which aims to expand access to affordable and clean solar energy for low- to moderate-income households. The article emphasizes the importance of innovative program designs to meet the goals of the IRA and address the clean energy transition effectively. It also suggests prioritizing rapid deployment of community solar projects, reducing energy bills for disadvantaged communities, and thinking holistically to align with broader electrification goals. The author, Molly Knoll, encourages states and federal agencies to focus on program designs that combine incentives, rebates, and private capital to achieve clean energy deployment and provide immediate benefits to vulnerable residents.

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