# Public Housing Solar Equity Act of 2021

When public housing agencies want to install solar panels on their buildings, they often need to lease or sell space—like roof space or parking areas—to solar companies. This bill makes sure that when those deals happen, the residents of public housing and the housing agencies themselves actually benefit financially from the arrangement, rather than having all the profits go to outside companies.

Here's what the bill requires: Before a public housing agency can lease or sell any asset for a solar project, they must prove using standard accounting methods that the deal helps both the residents living there and the agency's budget. For example, if a solar company wants to use a building's roof, the housing agency has to show that residents will save money on electricity bills or that the agency will get enough money to maintain the building better. The housing agency also has to make this analysis public at least 30 days before the deal happens, so residents and community members can see the numbers and understand what's being agreed to.

Additionally, if the solar company plans to sell electricity or other products from that solar installation, they have to offer those products to the public housing residents first before selling to anyone else. This ensures residents get first access to any benefits like cheaper solar power. The housing agency then has to report back to the federal government within a year explaining how the deal actually worked out and whether it delivered the promised benefits.

The bill doesn't force housing agencies to do solar projects—it just sets guardrails to make sure that when they do, the people living in public housing aren't left out of the financial benefits.

Public Housing Solar Equity Act of 2021

Maloney, Carolyn B.

Public Housing Solar Equity Act of 2021 This bill requires public housing agencies (PHAs) to take certain actions when selling or leasing assets in connection with a solar energy project. Specifically, a PHA must ensure that such a sale or lease financially benefits the residents of the public housing project as well as the budget of the PHA. Further, if a buyer or lessee intends to derive a product or service from the asset, the PHA must require that the product or service be offered and provided to residents of the public housing project before being offered and provided to nonresidents. Additionally, a PHA must include certain information regarding assets it intends to sell or lease in the upcoming year in its annual plan.