Expanding Access to Solar Energy Through NCSP+

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Project Director

Hanna Jones

The National Community Solar Partnership Plus (NCSP+) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiative. NCSP+ brings together key stakeholders to expand access to solar energy solutions nationwide. Through research, technical assistance, and collaboration, the program accelerates the deployment of community solar and distributed energy resources, driving innovation and impact in the clean energy transition.

CESA plays a unique role in NCSP+ by convening diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and providing critical resources to support solar adoption. Through its expertise in policy, program design, and implementation, CESA helps states and organizations navigate challenges, share best practices, and develop innovative solutions that expand solar access effectively and efficiently. 

CESA’s NCSP+ Working Groups 

To advance state-level solar initiatives, CESA has established three working groups: 

NCSP+ Solar+Storage Monetization Working Group 

  • Cadence: Meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 3:00 PM EST. 
    • 2nd Tuesday: Discussion-based sessions 
    • 4th Tuesday: Sessions with subject matter experts 
  • Objective: Supports states in developing solar+storage programs by providing expert insights, best practices, and strategic resources to enhance economic value, resilience, and adoption. 

NCSP+ Defining, Achieving, and Verifying Solar Savings Working Group 

  • Cadence: Meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 3:30 PM EST. 
  • Objective: Helps states design effective solar programs that deliver meaningful savings for low-to-moderate-income households by leveraging expert guidance, program evaluations, and best practices. 

NCSP+ Community Solar Opportunity States Working Group 

  • Cadence: Meets monthly on the 3rd Monday at 3:00 PM EST. 
  • Objective: Bringing together states that have expressed interest in building community solar programs without community solar enabling legislation (the “opportunity states”). 

Get Involved with NCSP+ 

By joining NCSP+, stakeholders gain the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to expand solar access and create impactful community energy programs. Whether through participation in working groups, accessing exclusive resources, or collaborating with peers, NCSP+ offers invaluable support for advancing clean energy initiatives. 

Click here to become an NCSP+ member today! 

Benefits of NCSP+ Membership 

NCSP+ partners receive exclusive access to a suite of valuable resources, including: 

  • Technical Assistance: Tailored support from industry experts to address challenges in implementing solar projects and programs through one-on-one or group settings. 
  • Networking: Opportunities to connect with other partners engaged in distributed solar initiatives across the country and participate in peer-networking groups focused on financing, program design, and more. 
  • Events & Opportunities: Information on key distributed solar events, technical webinars, and recognition programs, as well as shared funding and collaboration opportunities. 
  • Resources: A curated, regularly updated database of case studies, toolkits, research papers, analysis tools, and more. 
  • Knowledge Sharing: A platform to exchange experiences, ask questions, and share insights about distributed solar with a network of engaged stakeholders. 

Expanding Beyond Community Solar 

Community solar enables individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups to benefit from shared solar projects without requiring rooftop installations. This approach is particularly beneficial for low-to-moderate-income households, renters, and those unable to install solar panels on their properties. 

In 2024, NCSP expanded into NCSP+ to include additional solar technologies such as: 

  • Low- and Moderate-Income Residential Rooftop Solar + Storage
  • Commercial Solar Projects
  • Microgrids
  • Distributed Solar + Storage Aggregations (e.g., Virtual Power Plants)