Enacts the community solar opportunity and local approval reform (Community SOLAR) act

Overview: Bill Number: A 9087, Title: Enacts the community solar opportunity and local approval reform (Community SOLAR) act, Status: REFERRED TO ENERGY, Introduced: September 12, 2025

Purpose and Intent: The Community SOLAR act aims to expand access to community solar projects and streamline the local approval process for their development. The goal is to increase renewable energy generation and provide more residents, especially in underserved communities, with the opportunity to participate in solar energy.

Key Provisions:
- Requires utilities to offer community solar subscription programs and sets minimum participation targets
- Establishes a standardized local approval process for community solar projects, including:
- Mandating a 90-day review timeline for project applications
- Limiting the grounds for local governments to deny approval
- Providing an appeals process for denied projects
- Directs the state energy office to develop guidelines and provide technical assistance for local governments and community solar developers

Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Utility customers will have increased access to community solar subscription options
- Local governments will have a more streamlined approval process for community solar projects in their jurisdictions
- Developers of community solar projects will benefit from the standardized local approval requirements
- Residents, especially in underserved areas, may gain greater access to affordable renewable energy through community solar

Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been referred to the Energy committee for consideration. If passed, the Community SOLAR act would take effect immediately, with the utility participation requirements and local approval process changes implemented over the following 12-18 months.