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OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work effort is to identify community solar subscription managers willing to support NREL in developing a universal digital platform to serve as a bridge to connect community solar subscriptions (with verified savings and related benefits) to recipients of LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). This bridge platform will gather and consolidate available community solar subscriptions from community solar marketplaces, subscription managers, project developers, state-led programs, and utility programs into a centralized location. Initially the platform will operate in three pilot states – District of Columbia, Illinois, and New Mexico, and ultimately it will expand to other states.

This Sources Sought is seeking expertise in community solar subscription platform development and management to support the development of the Low-Income Community Solar Subscription Platform. NREL seeks technical assistance to ensure this digital platform works with the existing software infrastructure of associated state agencies as well as community solar subscription managers, community solar developers, utilities, state and local government, and additional stakeholders. LIHEAP recipients are already income-verified and therefore can be prequalified to meet the requirements for participation in LI community solar. The pilot stage of the Low-Income Community Solar Subscription Platform will take place in three participating pilot states: New Mexico, Illinois, and the District of Columbia and will expand to other partner states in 2023: Colorado, New Jersey, and New York. Future expansion to other states is targeted for 2024.