Clean Energy Connector pilot launched in Illinois, New Mexico and Washington D.C.

The software tool is designed to connect eligible households to community solar projects through the Department of Health and Human Services’ HHS’s LIHEAP

Community solar offers a significant advantage by granting access to customers who may lack suitable roofs or financial means for rooftop solar installations. It allows individuals, businesses, organizations, and municipalities to subscribe to a portion of solar asset-generated electricity, earning credit on their electricity bills for the power produced. During its annual summit, the National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP), led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), issued a challenge to the community solar industry to achieve a target of 20 GW of community solar capacity by 2025.

Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), DOE is launching a pilot program utilizing the Clean Energy Connector software. This program aims to connect up to 40,000 low-income home energy assistance (LIHEAP)-eligible households with available community solar projects. The pilot, currently active in Illinois, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C., is facilitated through LIHEAP program administrators. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra noted that enrolled participants stand to benefit from meaningful electricity bill savings, in alignment with NCSP's goal of 20% household savings. The Clean Energy Connector software, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), assists state community solar program administrators in vetting solar providers. The tool was refined with input from local LIHEAP agencies and county social support offices, with Colorado, New Jersey, and New York offering advisory support.