Low Income Solar Act of 2015. [pICTURE, vIDEO]

If powering our homes and businesses with solar energy is going to be a major solution to climate change, it can’t be an option that’s only available to some.

That’s why the bill that Sen. Bernie Sanders has just introduced — the Low Income Solar Act of 2015 — is such a huge deal.¹ The bill would dramatically expand the availability of the financial and environmental benefits of solar power, through loans and grants to low-income families, public housing, and community facilities.

But unfortunately, we don’t have a Congress that passes bills simply because they’re excellent ideas. That’s why we need to get to work whipping support for this bill in Congress right now. Can you sign the petition and help us make this bill a reality?

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Tell Congress: Make solar energy available to all Americans. Pass the Low Income Solar Act of 2015.

Today, solar energy is more affordable than it’s ever been, and is now the fastest growing source of energy in the U.S. But it’s still out of reach for a large percentage of Americans who can’t afford the cost of installation, can’t qualify for financing, or who are renters and don’t have appropriate rooftop access to install solar panels.

Today, out of the 645,000 homes and businesses with rooftop solar panels, less than 5 percent are households earning less than $40,000.²

Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Low Income Solar Act of 2015 would take direct aim at this problem by directly issuing grants for solar installation to low income homeowners with suitable rooftops, while connecting other households, like renters, with alternatives like community solar gardens which offer solar power access through a shared solar system.

Tell Congress: Make solar energy available to all Americans. Pass the Low Income Solar Act of 2015.

With four times more of their income spent on energy than the average household, allowing low-income households to produce their own energy would provide major economic relief to those who need it most. And lower income households also statistically use less energy, meaning solar panels would cover a greater share of their energy needs.³

Low-income communities have also suffered the most from proximity to toxic and polluting fossil fuel facilities. Expanding access to clean solar power is an important step in alleviating toxic fossil fuel pollution, and the carbon pollution that is causing climate change.

This is a win-win idea if there ever was one, and that’s why we need to make sure it wins in Congress.

Tell Congress: Make solar energy available to all Americans. Pass the Low Income Solar Act of 2015.   SOURCE