Since 2021, the Sun4All project adapts to the European context the successful "Solar for All" utility bill assistance programme from New York State. In May 2024, at the occasion of Sun4All final conference events in Brussels, we met with Max Joel, Director at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and in charge of the Solar for All programme. He answered our questions about how the initiative works, the challenges faced, future plans, and offers valuable insights for European cities or utilities looking to replicate this successful model.

New York State's "Solar for All" programme, led by the NYSERDA, is making a significant impact by providing low-income households with solar energy credits to reduce their monthly energy bills. This innovative initiative partners with selected community solar projects, committing their electricity generation for 25 years. The generated value is pooled annually and distributed as bill credits to participating households, offering substantial relief from energy costs.

Initially, the programme faced challenges, including public confusion about solar energy and the enrollment process. Early efforts to sign up households individually proved inefficient. To overcome these obstacles, the programme now features automatic enrollment for households already receiving state energy assistance, significantly lowering barriers to participation.

In May 2024, New York's Public Service Commission approved the expansion of Solar for All statewide. The initiative will now include approximately 800,000 households, marking a significant scale-up from its pilot phase. As the programme grows, it will continue to integrate with other energy assistance initiatives, ensuring comprehensive support for low-income families while promoting renewable energy across the state.

To learn more about the Solar for All programme that inspired the Sun4All financial support scheme, watch our exclusive video interview with Max Joel. Don't miss this opportunity to get expert advice on making solar energy accessible to all!