U.S. States Urged to Adopt Solar Bonds to Boost Residential Solar Adoption
Alexis Abramson, Dean of Columbia Climate School, advocates for the adoption of 'solar bonds' in the U.S. as a mechanism to make rooftop solar more affordable for homeowners. This proposal comes after the expiration of the 30% residential solar tax credit and the federal Solar for All program at the end of 2025, which has created a financing gap for solar installations. While existing options like leases and power purchase agreements allow for no-money-down solar, they prevent homeowners from owning the system and thus forfeiting long-term savings. Green banks in states like Connecticut and New York offer below-market loans, but these are tied to the borrower, not the home, posing issues if the homeowner moves. Solar bonds, similar to state and municipal bonds used for infrastructure, would be retail-facing and specifically earmarked for solar projects. This approach aims to provide homeowners with access to cheaper capital while offering investors a modest, guaranteed return. The primary challenge for a f... 
