California regulators have approved a community solar program that critics argue could hinder the state’s progress in the sector. The 3-1 vote from the California Public Utilities Commission left the door open for a less restrictive program to benefit from federal funds. Despite California’s strong solar market, the state has long struggled to build community solar projects. The program was designed to respond to a state law passed in 2022 that required the CPUC to create a new community renewable energy program that would see at least 51 percent of the benefits go to low-income customers. Critics argue existing programs have been too restrictive and have resulted in little return on investment. The Biden administration has made community solar a priority as it seeks a net-zero grid by 2035, with a goal of deploying 20,000 MW of installed community solar by 2025.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
