Learn More
Enroll Now
Empowering Your Solar Journey

Unlock Community Solar Benefits

Welcome to Power Project USA, your go-to source for community solar solutions. Here, we connect you with local solar projects designed to fit your needs. Whether you rent, own, or manage a small business, our resources guide you through the process simply and clearly. Explore your options and see how you can participate in clean energy today!

Enroll
Learn More
Power Your Future

Understanding Legislation in Community Solar Projects

Community solar is influenced by evolving legislation that directly affects project development and consumer access. Understanding these laws is essential for renters, homeowners, and businesses looking to change their energy sources. Current regulations aim to widen participation and support clean energy initiatives. For example, some states now provide incentives to encourage residents and businesses to adopt solar solutions. Stay informed about these changes, as they play a crucial role in how accessible community solar projects are for you. Here at Power Project USA, we’re committed to simplifying these complex topics, helping you navigate your solar options effortlessly.

Policy & Legislation Hub

A complete guide to the laws, rules, and regulatory frameworks that make community solar work — starting in New Mexico, Illinois and expanding nationwide.

Illinois Shines is a state-administered program developed by the Illinois Power Agency. It supports the development of new solar projects, including community solar, by providing incentives to solar developers. Participants can subscribe to a share of a community solar project and receive credits on their utility bills for the electricity generated by their share.

  • Available to all residents within the same utility territory as the solar project.
  • Offers both Traditional and Community-Driven Community Solar projects.
  • Emphasizes consumer protection with standardized disclosure forms and vetted vendors.

📄 Community Solar Flyer (PDF)
🌐 Explore Community Solar – Illinois Shines

Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) is a state program that makes solar energy more accessible to income-eligible households. Through its Community Solar sub-program, participants can subscribe to a share of a community solar project with no upfront costs and guaranteed savings on their electricity bills.

  • Designed for households with income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
  • Participants pay no more than 50% of the value of the energy produced by their share.
  • Provides clear consumer protections and standardized disclosures.

📄 Community Solar – Illinois Solar for All
📄 Unpacking Community Solar Within ILSFA (PDF)

Most community solar programs require enabling legislation — a state law that authorizes shared solar projects and creates a framework for billing, access, and oversight. Currently, 24 states and Washington, D.C. have passed such legislation.

DOE: Community Solar Basics
Coalition for Community Solar Access: Model Legislation (PDF)
  • Project eligibility and subscriber definitions
  • Billing and crediting mechanisms
  • Project selection processes
  • Low-income carve-outs and compliance

PRC Final Community Solar Rules (PDF)
Uniform Disclosure Template (PRC Site)

Community solar bill credits in New Mexico are based on a utility’s aggregate retail rate, minus specific distribution cost components as approved by the Public Regulation Commission (PRC). These credits represent the value of your share of solar energy production.

  • Includes generation, capacity, and transmission costs — but not transmission deductions.
  • Credits appear as line items on your utility bill each month.
  • Rates are variable and reflect the utility’s current pricing structure.

Rule 17.9.573.20 NMAC – Billing Credit Rate
Uniform Disclosure Form Sample (PDF)

Passed in 2021, SB84 authorizes a 200 MW pilot program and includes:

  • 30% of each project’s capacity reserved for low-income customers
  • No credit checks or cancellation fees for low-income subscribers
  • Bill credit rate set by the PRC based on aggregate retail rate
  • Uniform disclosure forms and subscriber protections
  • Project cap of 5 MW and minimum of 10 subscribers per project

Read SB84 Full Text (PDF)
SB84 Fact Sheet
PRC Rulemaking & Order


The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) adopted Rule 17.9.573 NMAC to implement the requirements of the Community Solar Act (SB84). This rule outlines the technical and consumer protection framework governing the operation of community solar in the state.

  • Eligibility: Defines subscriber organization types and participant qualifications
  • Subscriber Credits: Establishes the method for calculating utility bill credits based on aggregate retail rate
  • Low-Income Carve-Out: Requires at least 30% of capacity be reserved for qualifying low-income subscribers
  • Disclosure Requirements: Mandates uniform forms for transparency and informed consent
  • Complaint Process: Includes procedures for resolving subscriber disputes and utility issues

These rules were finalized and adopted in 2022, and form the legal backbone for all project approval, utility coordination, and consumer protection enforcement in New Mexico’s pilot program.

Read Rule 17.9.573 NMAC (Official PDF)
Order Adopting Community Solar Rules (PDF)

New Mexico law requires that 30% of the capacity of every approved community solar project be allocated to low-income subscribers or organizations. This ensures equitable access to clean energy and economic benefits.

  • Applies to households earning below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
  • Eligibility includes participation in SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, or equivalent programs
  • No credit checks, no upfront fees, and no cancellation penalties

SB84 Community Solar Act – Full Text
PRC Order Adopting Rule (PDF)
NREL – Community Solar Policy Landscape (PDF)

Community solar subscribers are protected by PRC rules requiring transparency and fairness. If you’ve encountered problems, here’s where to start:

 

In the event that a community solar provider ceases operations, goes bankrupt, or defaults, PRC regulations require measures to protect subscribers:

  • Utilities must continue to apply bill credits based on verified solar output
  • Providers must include transition and default plans in their agreements
  • The PRC may help reassign subscribers or enforce bond guarantees

Example: “In the event the subscriber organization ceases operation, bill credits will still be honored, and the PRC will coordinate transfer to a qualified provider.”

SB84 PRC Presentation Slides
Rulemaking Exhibit B – Disclosure Requirements (PDF)

Get Community Solar Policy Updates!

Join out mailing list and be the first to know developments in the community solar initiatives nation wide.

By clicking Sign Up you’re confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.