Obama unveils solar panel plan for low-income homes

David Jackson | USA TODAY

The Obama administration is unveiling a project Tuesday designed to make it easier for residents of low- and moderate-income housing and renters to obtain solar panels for energy production.

"The executive actions and private sector commitments that we are announcing today will help continue to scale up solar for all Americans, including those who are renters, lack the startup capital to invest in solar, or do not have adequate information on how to transition to solar energy," said an administration statement.

Part of the administration's climate change strategy, the plan calls for tripling solar energy systems in federally subsidized housing by the year 2020, and making it easier for homeowners to borrow money for solar panels.

No federal cost estimates have been provided.

The plan will be formally unveiled Tuesday in Baltimore by senior Obama adviser Brian Deese and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md.

From The New York Times:

"Also to be unveiled on Tuesday are commitments totaling more than $520 million from charities, investors, states and cities to pay for solar and energy-efficiency projects for lower-income communities.

"Mr. Cummings said that he routinely receives calls at his congressional office from constituents who cannot pay all their utility bills, and that the programs would not only help the planet but also save money for those who could not otherwise gain access to renewable energy.

"'The difference in a monthly bill of $10 or $15 means a lot to the people who live on my block,' Mr. Cummings said."