The Obama administration is moving forward with new projects to expand the use of ever-cheaper solar power in America. This time it's a plan to bring solar panels to America's lower and middle class, people who could greatly benefit from lower electricity bills and generally can't come up with the necessary funds to
install those systems.
The administration announced that it intends to triple the capacity of solar and other renewable energy systems it installs in federally subsidized housing by 2020, make it easier for homeowners to borrow money for solar improvements and start a nationwide program to help renters gain access to solar energy, the officials said.
Also unveiled on Tuesday were commitments totaling more than $520 million from charities, investors, states and cities to pay for solar and energy-efficiency projects for lower-income communities.
Expanding the use of solar power to a broader base of Americans is critical if solar is to make a substantive dent in the nation's carbon emissions. A program targeting lower-income Americans makes good economic sense as well, because lower utility bills means more money to be spent on other family needs.