Coalition for Community Solar Access

The Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) is a national non-profit organization in the United States, dedicated to expanding access to solar energy through community solar programs. Founded in 2015, CCSA represents over 100 community solar companies, businesses, and non-profits across the country.

Mission and Objectives

CCSA's primary mission is to democratize solar energy by making it accessible to all American households and businesses. The organization focuses on developing and implementing policies and best practices that ensure community solar programs benefit both consumers and local communities. CCSA works closely with customers, utilities, local stakeholders, and policymakers to champion fair market rules and efficient community solar project development.

Core Principles

• Market Expansion: CCSA aims to open, expand, and protect competitive community solar markets through comprehensive engagement in market design and innovation.
• Consumer Choice: CCSA ensures that all consumers can participate in and benefit from community solar assets, with clear communication of economic benefits.
• Market Integrity: The organization advocates for safe, reliable marketplaces where consumers can make informed choices.
• Project Compensation: CCSA supports project compensation that reflects the full value of locally produced energy.
• Fair Siting Rules: The coalition promotes transparent, non-discriminatory, and evidence-based rules for project siting and interconnection.

Impact and Achievements

CCSA has been instrumental in shaping community solar policies nationwide. The organization has worked with state governments to establish community solar programs that increase access to renewable energy, particularly for low-to-moderate income households. In partnership with other stakeholders, CCSA has supported legislation and regulatory enhancements aimed at promoting more equitable and efficient community solar markets.

Historical Context

CCSA's emergence coincides with a period of significant growth in community solar initiatives. The first community solar project was established in Washington in 2006, and subsequent years saw the development of competitive community solar programs, notably in Colorado. CCSA was founded to accelerate the growth of this industry by addressing regulatory and market challenges.

Future Outlook

As community solar continues to expand, CCSA remains at the forefront of advocating for policies and programs that make renewable energy accessible to all. With growing support from policymakers and the private sector, CCSA is poised to drive further innovation and adoption of community solar solutions across the U.S.

[1] https://cvnmef.org/partners/coalition-for-community-solar-access-ccsa/ [2] https://communitysolaraccess.org/who-we-are [3] https://illinoisshines.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Coalition-for-Community-Solar-Access-CCSA-1.pdf [4] https://communitysolaraccess.org [5] https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/GetDocument.aspx?tn=247829&DocumentContentId=82143