Sustainable Solar Education Project - Resources

Directory of State Clean Energy Programs and Policies for Low- and Moderate-Income Residents

Directory of State Low- and Moderate-Income Clean Energy Programs

March 11, 2021

This directory lists and describes state clean energy programs for low- and moderate-income residents and communities.

State Solar Contract Disclosure Requirements

State Solar Contract Disclosure Requirements

August 2, 2018

A rapidly growing residential solar market has created challenges for solar consumers. With so many households adopting solar and more PV systems installed, there is potential for solar consumer protection issues to emerge.

Cover image for resource: A DC Consumer's Guide to Going Solar

A DC Consumer’s Guide to Going Solar

April 27, 2018

This guide aims to help DC consumers make an informed decision in considering whether to install a solar energy system in their home.

Cover image for resource: Income Trends of Residential PV Adopters: An analysis of household-level income estimates.

Income Trends of Residential PV Adopters: An analysis of household-level income estimates

April 2, 2018

This report aims to establish basic factual information about income trends among U.S. residential solar adopters, with some emphasis on low- and moderate-income households.

Unlocking Solar for Low-and Moderate-Income Residents: A Matrix of Financing Options by Resident, Provider, and Housing Type

January 31, 2018

This report identifies the most promising strategies state policymakers might consider using to finance PV for low- and moderate-income customers.

A Maryland Consumer’s Guide to Solar

January 17, 2018

The Maryland Energy Administration and the Clean Energy States Alliance have developed a Maryland Consumers Guide to Solar, designed to be a resource for Maryland residents considering home solar photovoltaic systems.

Rooftop Solar Financing 101 (video)

August 10, 2017

This video introduces three common solar financing methods: loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) and briefly explains some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Choosing a Solar Installer (video)

August 10, 2017

This video offers advice for customers in selecting a solar contractor, questions that customers should ask a solar contractor, and information that should be included in a solar contractor’s bid.

Will Solar Panels Save You Money? (video)

August 10, 2017

This video discusses key questions homeowners should explore when assessing whether going solar makes financial sense, including how the cost of solar compares to savings from solar, how the federal tax credit works, and the extent to which a homeowner’s electricity bill can be offset by solar.

Consumer Protection for Community Solar: A Guide for States

June 8, 2017

This guide discusses consumer protection issues that may arise in community solar projects for residential consumers, and the role states can play in ensuring appropriate consumer protections.