Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2025

This bill aims to significantly increase participation in community solar programs across the United States, particularly for underserved populations. It mandates the Secretary of Energy to establish a program within one year to expand access to community solar for individuals, especially low- and moderate-income individuals , businesses, nonprofit organizations, and State, local, and Tribal governments. This program will align with existing federal initiatives serving low-income communities and provide crucial technical assistance for project development and innovative financial models. A key provision amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) by defining "community solar facility" and "community solar program." It establishes a new standard requiring all non-Tribal electric utilities to offer a community solar program, ensuring equitable and demonstrable access for all ratepayers, including low-income individuals. These programs must also include mechanisms for various entities to assume ownership of community solar facilities. State regulatory authorities and nonregulated electric utilities must commence consideration of this new standard within one year and complete their determination within two years, though states with existing comparable standards or prior consideration are exempt. Additionally, the bill extends the maximum term for federal contracts for public utility services to 30 years, supporting long-term community solar projects.