US aims at 300 MW of solar at subsidised housing in 2020

The US government on Tuesday announced a new goal of 300 MW for solar power and other renewable energy systems at federally subsidised housing by the end of the decade.

Previously, the target was for 100 MW, set in 2013, but this level has already been exceeded. The White House told reported that affordable housing groups will be offered technical assistance to deploy solar arrays and they will also get access to financing for solar and efficiency projects.

The 300-MW target comes in line with President Barack Obama’s efforts to fight carbon pollution.

In the first quarter of 2015, 437 MW of residential solar systems were installed in the US, a 76% year-on-year jump. For the full year, GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association expect 7.9 GW of total solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity additions, with the residential segment growing the most.

“Q1 2015 provided a clear glimpse into the future role that the residential sector will play as a primary driver of not only solar market growth, but the overall electricity generation mix,” commented Shayle Kann, senior vice president at GTM.

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