1. Solar United Neighbors, Conservative Energy Network, and solar owners met with Congressional Solar Caucus to discuss benefits of solar energy and policy challenges
2. Solar technology prices have decreased, new investments are reducing barriers for low-to-moderate income families to access solar energy
3. Congress is considering legislation to expand access to community and rooftop solar, prevent utilities from using ratepayer money for lobbying, and extend funding for solar opportunities in rural America.
Solar United Neighbors, along with the Conservative Energy Network and residential and small business solar owners, met with members of the Congressional Solar Caucus to discuss the benefits of solar energy for families, communities, and the economy, as well as policy challenges and solutions to increasing access to solar technologies. Consumers like Robert Fernatt shared how solar panels have allowed them to produce their own energy, power electric vehicles, and save money.
Advocates pointed out that it is an exciting time for consumers looking to take control of their energy sources through solar power, as prices have dropped significantly since 2010. New investments are also helping to lower barriers for low-to-moderate income families, and federal programs like the Rural Energy for America Program are expanding solar to rural communities.
Legislation such as H.R.2751 and H.R.5075 are being considered by Congress to support community solar access and prevent utilities from using ratepayer money for lobbying against solar energy. Supporters stressed the importance of maintaining funding for programs like REAP in the Farm Bill to ensure continued solar opportunities in rural America. The Congressional Solar Caucus serves as a bipartisan forum for discussing issues related to renewable energy and solar technology production.