The CCSA is America’s first and only trade association for community solar which now represents an even larger cross-section of project developers, manufacturers, financiers, legal experts and advocates. It has now added nine new members and during its first year has been actively involved in advocating for effective community solar policies in states across the US.
Recent action taken by CCSA includes the implementation of a new programme in Maryland, to take effect in April, which enables nearly 250 MW of community solar development alongside new programmes in Hawaii and Rhode Island. The association is also working with regulators to improve market structures in existing markets, including crucial financial mechanisms in Massachusetts and New York that will enable development of hundreds more MW in each state.
“Community solar is on the rise across the country” said CCSA Executive Director Jeff Cramer. “We’re excited to see so much enthusiasm for community solar from so many leading companies and organizations, and encouraged by the growing support for effective policies that will support its adoption nationwide. In the last year alone we have seen total installed capacity of community solar nearly double, and significant progress made to open new markets, including Maryland, New York, Hawaii and others in the coming year.”
CCSA Board Chair Hannah Masterjohn of Clean Energy Collective added that the continued growth of community solar is a testament to the strong consumer demand for local, affordable, clean energy options. The direct engagement of CCSA members in promoting the policies necessary for successful development means that the association is gaining visible momentum and making important progress toward its goal of ensuring access to solar for all.
The association remains enthusiastic about building upon these successes as it starts year two and the momentum across the US shows no signs of stopping. Legislation to create new community solar programmes is currently being considered in at least seven states, including Nevada, Washington, and Maine, with votes anticipated on those programs by summer 2017.
CCSA has also published the industry’s first Policy Decision Matrix to assist policymakers in developing new community solar programmes, and partnered with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to develop a Residential Consumer Guide to Community Solar.
A recent Greentech Media study forecast that 410 MW of community solar will be installed in 2017 with community solar becoming a 500 MW annual market by 2019.
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