White House Sets Guidelines To Improve People's Access To Solar Energy

By Staff Reporter

Jul 08, 2015 09:07 AM EDT

There has been a lot of effort to educate the public about solar energy. People are starting to see the benefits of using solar energy and the White House wants to expand it even more.

Post-Gazette reported that the White House announced new initiatives and steps that it will take to get more Americans involved in using solar energy. The program will also include low-income families and those who are currently renting.

A sample of the program that can increase the number of families using solar energy is the "community solar" projects in which one solar-power station will supply power to a number of families. If the program will materialize in the future, it will prioritize low income families.

Engadget reported that the White House also plans to "install 300 megawatts of solar" in housing that are "federally subsidized."

The plan to ramp up the government's alternative energy program comes a week after the White House committed to an agreement with Brazil that, by 2030, the United States is going to get at least 20 percent of its electricity from solar and other renewable sources.

Brian Deese, Obama's senior adviser, said, "It's very important not only that we achieve that goal, but how we get there as well. We know there are significant challenges in the scope and geographic reach of solar."

There are five cities that are currently being recognized as "Solar Ready Communities." Liberty Tribune reported that the list includes Belton, Liberty, Gladstone, Lee's Summit and Raymore. These cities included provisions for solar energy in their development codes and even have construction guidelines that are "solar-ready."

The project is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). HUD is going to offer technical assistance while FHA will assist in getting loans. The White House has partnered with companies like AmeriCorps to create employment opportunities in the solar energy sector.