Community solar is growing across the U.S., thanks to government support like the Inflation Reduction Act and the EPA’s Solar for All program. Many states are also introducing new policies to make solar energy more accessible.
With these changes, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for community solar. Here’s a look at key policy updates from 2024 and what’s coming next year:
State-by-State Highlights
Minnesota
- A new law passed to reduce delays in connecting solar projects to the grid.
- The state’s low-to-moderate income community solar program is set to expand in 2025.
Illinois
- Regulators approved long-term grid improvement plans to make solar connections easier and more cost-effective.
- Efforts to transition to a value-based solar pricing system will continue in 2025.
California
- A new community solar program was approved, but its launch was pushed back to early 2026 due to funding delays.
Iowa
- A community solar bill was introduced for the first time, but it didn’t pass. However, there’s strong interest in trying again in 2025.
New Mexico
- Regulators finalized solar bill credit rules, a key step for the state’s solar program.
- The next phase will add 300 megawatts of solar capacity.
New York
- A new roadmap sets a goal of 20 gigawatts of solar power by 2035.
- Efforts continue to improve how solar projects are approved and connected to the grid.
Virginia
- The state expanded its community solar program, allowing more customers to participate, including low-income households.
Maryland
- The state’s solar program is now permanent, launching January 1, 2025.
- New rules will make billing simpler and allow larger solar projects in certain locations.
Massachusetts
- A major clean energy bill was signed into law, including reforms for permitting, net crediting, and energy storage.
- The state’s community solar program is expected to switch to a new pricing structure in 2025.
2025 could be another big year for the community solar industry. Bills that would enable new community solar markets are expected to be considered in California, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin with bills enjoying support from both sides of the aisle and broad coalitions. In states with existing community solar programs – Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Virginia – stakeholders will continue to modernize, streamline and grow programs so more people in those states can access the benefits of community solar.
Developer Relationship with Solar On Earth
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