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Does HUD impose a rent increase on community solar subscriptions?

In July 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued guidance (PDF) that enables residents of HUD-assisted housing to access cost-saving community solar subscriptions without inducing a rent increase or utility allowance adjustment. The guidance is limited to certain community solar models.

What is a managed affordable solar housing program?

The Department will direct about one-third of its Solar for All award to its Managed Affordable Solar Housing Program, which will offer the benefits of rooftop solar to residents of permanently designated affordable housing.

Can solar power be used in housing projects?

This program will lay the groundwork and build internal capacity at these organizations to incorporate solar benefits into housing projects well into the future.

Does a community solar subscription affect renters?

However, renters who rely on federal assistance have faced barriers to accessing those benefits because the savings from a community solar subscription can impact monthly rent payments or the utility allowance these households receive to cover monthly energy costs.

What is a community solar program?

Community solar programs are designed to allow households that don’t own their homes or have access to rooftop solar to benefit from solar energy.

What is HUD's guidance on community solar?

The guidance is limited to certain community solar models. For states with different program models, HUD can issue state specific guidance upon request. This is an important step in ensuring that the 4.5 million families who live in affordable housing can benefit from low-cost, renewable energy.