Commentary Letters

If California wants to provide energy savings to households and receive its share of the federal tax credits that will be made available in 2023, it must act with urgency.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, certain community solar projects that benefit low- and moderate-income communities can qualify for as much as a 40% or 50% tax credit. This is an unprecedented incentive to help enhance California’s solar footprint. This funding, paired with other federal and state dollars, will help California reach the goals laid out by AB 2316 – if regulators can create the framework for new state programs in 2023.

California has the potential to create one of the largest and most equitable community solar programs in the country. The CPUC needs to swiftly and effectively develop policies supporting the success of community solar. This is the only way to seize on the incredible opportunity to bring the benefits of clean energy to every Californian.

— Alexis Sutterman is the energy equity program manager at the California Environmental Justice Alliance. Assemblyman Chris Ward, D-San Diego, represents the 78th Assembly District. He is the assistant majority leader in the Assembly. They wrote this for CalMatters, a public interest journalism venture explaining how California’s Capitol works and why it matters.