Detroit Rep. McKinney Proposes Community Solar Bill Targeting Low-Income Households
Detroit Rep. Donavan McKinney unveils community solar legislation guaranteeing 20% energy bill savings for low-income households through shared solar programs.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — State Rep. Donavan McKinney announced legislation Wednesday to create community solar programs aimed at providing energy bill savings to Michigan residents who cannot access rooftop solar panels, with guaranteed discounts of at least 20% for low-income households.
The Detroit Democrat outlined his proposal during a press conference, describing community solar as a system where residents subscribe to shared solar panel arrays built on brownfields, rooftops, parking lots, or unused land and receive credits on their energy bills for the power produced.
“For years, Michigan families have asked for more options to lower their energy bills and participate in the clean energy economy, but for too many people, renters, low-income households, those with shaded roofs or aging homes, rooftop solar simply isn’t possible,” McKinney said. “Community solar is a solution that meets people where they are.”
Guaranteed Savings Structure
McKinney’s legislation would require all community solar subscribers to receive at least 10% savings on their energy bills. Low-income households would be guaranteed deeper discounts of at least 20% under the proposed framework.
The congressman candidate said his approach differs from previous community solar proposals by prioritizing consumers, environmental advocates, and labor unions. While similar policies have been introduced repeatedly in the Michigan Legislature, McKinney characterized his version as taking a more progressive stance.
Addressing Energy Access Challenges
The proposal targets residents who face barriers to installing individual solar systems, including renters and homeowners with properties unsuitable for rooftop installations. McKinney emphasized that community solar programs would expand clean energy access beyond traditional solar customers.
Renewable energy access has remained a bipartisan concern among Michigan lawmakers, who have previously worked to eliminate caps on customer energy generation and expand local renewable energy options. Advocates have consistently argued that increased access to rooftop and community-based renewable energy provides both cost savings and improved reliability for Michigan residents.
The legislation comes as McKinney pursues a congressional campaign while serving his current term in the state House representing Detroit. His community solar proposal joins ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy participation across Michigan’s diverse housing and economic landscape.
