States must have the following in place to use the Connector:
A low-income community solar program that meets the minimum savings requirement of 20% (see above) and agrees to enforce minimum consumer protection requirements.
Partnership between the state community solar program and state LIHEAP agencies.
Low-income community solar projects looking for subscribers within the next year.
Staff capacity to test and provide feedback on the Connector during the pilot stage.
To implement the Connector in a new state, DOE requests that both the agency administering the state community solar program and the state LIHEAP office jointly agree to participate in the project. DOE requires both offices to jointly sign an agreement to participate.
DOE will also have states complete a Readiness Assessment to identify additional needs a state may have to prepare to use the Connector, such as updating LIHEAP intake forms, program rules, and developing training materials.
If you are a representative of a state energy office or LIHEAP office and are interested in using the Connector in your state, please contact community.solar@ee.doe.gov.