B5._ Solar for vouchers
Offer support for expanded affordable housing through subsidies for solar on the roofs.
The Metropolitan Council of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, a regional planning agency, has a pilot program offering incentives that reduce solar costs to suburban rental owners who dedicate apartments to low-income tenants in exchange.
In return for increasing the number of units eligible for Section 8 vouchers, which cap rents at about 30% of tenants’ adjusted income, landlords “will gain access to group purchasing and a streamlined permitting process estimated to shave five to 15% from the cost of a solar installation.” Clean Energy Resource Teams will also help negotiate contracts, arrange for pre-qualified installers, navigate financing, “and ensure the viability of solar on rooftops”.