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Fresh from RE+, the Altus Power team left energized by the conversations, challenges and opportunities that are shaping the solar industry. While the passage of the federal tax bill has raised new uncertainties, the momentum behind community solar is stronger than ever. Here are some of my key takeaways from the event:
A Spotlight on Federal Policy and Data Center Growth
One of the biggest themes throughout the week was uncertainty at the federal level. During the Federal Policy Update and related sessions, panelists underscored how the recently passed tax bill represents an inflection point for our industry. Legal experts, nonprofits and researchers reminded developers to be meticulous in documenting reporting and invoicing to qualify for remaining incentives.
At the same time, we heard repeatedly about the explosive growth of data centers and the strain they’ll place on the grid. With AI and digital infrastructure accelerating, the need for rapidly deployable energy solutions like commercial and community solar has never been clearer.
Community Solar Takes Center Stage
Conversations around community solar highlighted both challenges and opportunities:
- Interconnection queues remain one of the industry’s top bottlenecks, slowing projects that need to come online quickly to meet demand.
- Differentiation matters: panelists emphasized the importance of distinguishing community solar from utility-scale projects, since community solar or relatively smaller-scale assets can deploy faster and provide immediate grid relief.
- Momentum at the state level: while federal headwinds remain, states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan continue to expand existing programs or explore the adoption of community solar programs, providing critical opportunities for deployment.
Shifting Sentiment and Industry Outlook
The removal of federal tax incentives has undeniably tempered optimism. Solar PV growth forecasts are already down 10% from last year and actions under the current administration could reduce volumes by as much as 38%. But there were also bright spots:
- Growing momentum around battery storage as a market expander: a theme that came up regularly in discussions. By pairing storage with solar, developers can navigate interconnection challenges more effectively, deliver reliable power when and where it’s needed most and make projects more attractive to both regulators and customers.
- Optimism about community solar’s role in serving customers, renters, and underserved communities.
Customer Engagement: The Path to “Yes, in My Backyard”
A session on community acceptance reminded us that statistics alone don’t change minds. Whether for battery energy storage systems or community solar, meaningful community engagement is essential: through town halls, local events and direct dialogue that shows how projects benefit households and landowners. For Altus Power, this is a clear call to double down on educating communities at a more personal level.
Why We’re Optimistic
Despite the federal challenges, there’s reason for optimism. The solar industry is nimble and will be able to adjust to the new policy environment while advancing constructive state-level legislation. The continued expansion of commercial and community solar, combined with rising energy demand and innovation in battery storage deployment, positions Altus and the industry as a whole for growth.
Our headline takeaway? Commercial and community solar are America’s community powered solution: ready to help solve the grid’s growing energy demand with power generated where and when it’s needed.
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