WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following is a comment from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state and regulatory affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to expand community solar:

“We’re pleased to see that Biden-Harris administration launch new initiatives to expand solar accessibility across the country. Community solar is one of the best ways to help more low- and moderate-income (LMI) families access the cost-saving benefits of solar, but the burdensome and lengthy signup process to qualify as an LMI household is often a deterrent to the very families we’re trying to help.

“The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has recommended that both the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and state governments relax LMI eligibility requirements and streamline the community solar subscription process for LMI customers. DOE’s new pilot program will connect families to community solar through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and other low-income assistance programs, which will undoubtedly help more LMI communities get the benefits of clean and reliable solar energy.

“We commend DOE for taking targeted action and creating a program that addresses one of the top challenges for obtaining community solar customers.”