A coalition composed of the Institute For Local Self-Reliance, Solar United Neighbors Action, the Initiative For Energy Justice, and Solar United Neighbors has created a white paper urging the federal government to create policy and funding initiatives that would support the addition of rooftop solar to 30 million US homes.
The proposal claims the 30 Million Solar plan would create 1.77 million new jobs and save $69 billion in energy costs in the first 6 years. Thereafter, it would reduce the nation’s energy bills by $30 billion a year. In addition, the amount of carbon dioxide kept out of American skies would be equivalent to shuttering 48 coal-fired generating plants for an entire year or taking 42 million conventional gasoline and diesel powered vehicles off the road.
That last part gets a Wow! from us here at CleanTechnica. Imagine how long it is going to take to get 42 million cars off the road at the current rate of EV adoption.
Policy Help & Financial Assistance
A big part of the 30 Million Solar initiative is convincing Congress to expand and extend the federal investment tax credits available for solar projects, many of which are scheduled to shrink in the near future before expiring altogether. The plan calls for bumping those credits back up to 30% and extending them for an additional 10 years. The critical elements include:
Restoration, extension, and democratization of the Investment Tax Credit to provide a direct pay option for distributed solar projects and a 30% credit.
Substantially increased investment in energy assistance and weatherization programs to permanently reduce energy burdens, especially with rooftop and community solar.
New financing programs, including a national green bank and Clean Energy Victory Bonds.
Substantial expansion of federal matching grants and loan guarantees for schools, rural homes and businesses, tribal communities, and equitable community solar projects.
Loan loss reserves, especially to support clean energy portfolios within community development financial institutions.
Virtual permitting, a national solar marketplace, rules supporting net metering and community solar requirements, and other market-boosting policies.
Support for solar workers and small business owners from underrepresented groups.
Measures to make sure federal programs and agencies are accountable to communities.
The Executive Summary of the plan reads as follows:
“The 30 Million Solar Homes policies leverage federal power to spark investment that can serve more than 30 million households with rooftop or community solar over the next five years. This decentralized approach to reaching one in four households with solar maximizes and disperses the economic benefits of expanding clean energy in the fight against climate change, directly benefiting as many Americans as possible.
“More than three quarters of total federal investment benefits marginalized communities, including low and moderate income communities, environmental justice communities, and solar deserts. Over 300 advocacy organizations, solar businesses, and faith communities have signed on in support of 30 Million Solar Homes.”
Two Thirds Of Benefits Will Flow To Underserved Communities
As of the end of the first quarter of this year, the U.S. solar industry had installed 102.8 GW of capacity, enough to power roughly 18.6 million homes. Adding rooftop solar to 30 million homes would equate to 151 GW in new solar capacity — 50% more than all the solar capacity currently in place.
Along with job creation, installing solar on 30 million homes would lead to 100 GW of the 151 GW of proposed capacity being installed in marginalized communities, helping to improve access equity to solar and easing the historic economic imbalance of the resource. The benefits of local solar are particularly important for these communities as many have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and face a slow economic recovery. Specific proposals that would benefit underserved communities include:
A bonus 10% tax credit for commercial projects that provide Davis-Bacon prevailing wages and benefits.
A 10% bonus credits to commercial projects primarily serving marginalized communities, or that provide resilience by combining solar and energy storage.
A 10% bonus credits to residential projects also serving marginalized communities or providing resilience.
Modifications to prioritize projects that provide a direct financial benefit to residents through electricity bill credits and other benefits.
The proposal also calls for:
DOE loan guarantees for equitable community solar projects.
Reauthorizing clean energy block grants for state, tribal, territorial, and local governments.
Establishing solar plus storage grants for resiliency in marginalized communities.
Instituting solar grants for schools to reinvest energy savings into operations.
Establishing grants for developing residential and community solar in marginalized communities.
Speeding Up Solar Permitting
The so-called soft costs associated with rooftop solar can add a third to the cost of a system. The Solar Automated Permit Processing platform from the US Department of Energy hopes to speed up the permitting process and lower costs. It provides a standard portal for local governments to process permit applications that automatically checks codes to ensure safety while generating a standardized inspection checklist installers and inspectors can use to verify compliance in the field.
The DOE piloted the SolarAPP+ program in Tucson and Pima County in Arizona, and Menifee and Pleasant Valley in the California. “In Tucson, for example, SolarAPP+ reduced permitting reviews from approximately 20 business days to zero,” according to DOE.
“We have 3 million households today that have solar on their roofs, but the potential is so much greater,” DOE’s solar energy director told Reuters. “Having streamlined processes and an automated permitting platform that can make it faster, easier and cheaper for homeowners to go solar promises to really help expand the residential solar sector.”
Local governments and installers can now sign up to get started with the app or attend webinars listed on the DOE’s blog. It’s all part of the its Summer of Solar campaign aimed at lowering soft costs — design, siting, permitting, installation, and so forth — associated with rooftop solar power.
The Takeaway
The distinguishing feature of rooftop solar is it typically is not something done by traditional utility companies. They love solar because the cost of fuel is effectively zero. But they hate to see electricity democratized. There are a few progressive utility companies out there, but most of them take the position that, “It’s our electricity, dammit, and we alone will decide who gets it and how much you pay for it.” It’s a natural consequence of the monopoly model that has been the standard of the industry for over a century.
The 30 Million Solar plan would explode that status quo. Utility industry lobbyist are salivating over the prospect of driving a stake through the heart of this proposal.
Lectric’s April sale offers largest bundle ever on XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes at $1,399 (Up to $654 in FREE add-ons)
After the exciting April Fool’s Day flash sale, Lectric has switched gears to its longer-lasting April Showers Sale that is offering up to $654 in free gear along with e-bike purchases. Of course, the XP 3.0 e-bikes are prominently featured once again, this time with $500 bundles, and we’re seeing the other models retain the price cuts from previous sales, but I wanted to take the time to shine a spotlight on the XPress 750 Commuter e-bike for $1,399 shipped that is getting $557 in free gear. This bundle would normally run you $1,956 in all, with this being the largest package to accompany the e-bike that we have seen to date. Along with your purchase, you’ll be getting a rear cargo rack, a suspension seat post, fenders to go over both wheels, an Elite headlight, adjustable rear mirrors, an accordion-style folding bike lock, a wide saddle, a phone mount, and a 1.5L top tube bag.
Coming with the option for a high-step or step-through frame, the XPress 750 e-bike is a solid choice for commuters who are looking for significant travel support, with my own regularly getting me across Brooklyn, never once having me concerned about running out of battery. It’s been given a 750W rear hub motor (that peaks at 1,310W), a removable 48V 14Ah battery, and comes supported by five levels of PAS that themselves are supported by a torque sensor – all to provide you with up to 60 miles of travel at 20 MPH speeds, which can go to 28 MPH should you live in a state that allows it. Of course, for those wanting to ride on pure electricity, there is a throttle here, though keep in mind it will lessen your mileage.
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There’s plenty of features that deserve some praise, like the hydraulic mineral oil brakes, the front suspension, and the puncture-resistant tires – all of which provide a heightened riding experience. But that’s not all, as there’s also the 7-geared freewheel alongside the Shimano derailleur, the integrated headlight and taillight, a thru-axle wheel attachment system for tool-free installations, the hidden cable routing system, removable pedals (which have helped more than you can guess), and a full-color display that has a USB-A port to charge your devices as you ride. Considering the sizeable package of additional gear, you’ll be loaded up and ready to cruise on through the seasons ahead.
Lectric April Shower Sale XPedition 2.0 bundles:
XPedition 2.0 standard cargo e-bike with $326 bundle, Stratus White: $1,399 (Reg. $1,725)
XPedition 2.0 standard cargo e-bike with $326 bundle, Raindrop Blue: $1,399 (Reg. $1,725)
XPedition 2.0 DB cargo e-bike with $505 bundle, Stratus White: $1,699 (Reg. $2,204)
XPedition 2.0 DB cargo e-bike with $505 bundle, Raindrop Blue: $1,699 (Reg. $2,204)
XPedition 2.0 DB LR e-bike with $654 bundle, Stratus White: $1,999 (Reg. $2,653)
XPedition 2.0 DB LR e-bike with $654 bundle, Raindrop Blue: $1,999 (Reg. $2,653)
Lectric April Shower Sale XP 3.0 e-bike offers with $500 bundles:
Lectric April Shower Sale ONE LR e-bike with $467 bundle
Lectric April Shower Sale XP Trike with $420 bundle
Lectric April Shower Sale XPeak 2.0 bundles:
Lectric April Shower Sale XP Lite 2.0 bundles:
XP Lite 2.0 JW Black e-bike with $177 bundle, 80-mile range: $1,099 (Reg. $1,276)
XP Lite 2.0 Arctic White e-bike with $177 bundle, 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,176)
XP Lite 2.0 Sandstorm e-bike with $177 bundle, 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,176)
XP Lite 2.0 Lectric Blue e-bike with $177 bundle, 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,176)
XP Lite 2.0 Lavender Haze e-bike with $177 bundle, 80-mile range: $999 (Reg. $1,176)
Jackery takes up to $1,900 off a selection of home and outdoor backup power solutions starting from $90
Jackery is having a short-term flash sale through April 6 on a selection of power stations that can have you geared up for spring travels alongside any unexpected emergencies. Among the pool of offers, a solid choice for outdoor ventures is the brand’s Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station for $499 shipped. It would normally cost you $799 to grab it at full price, but you’ll be getting a 38% markdown here while the savings last, with things matching over at Amazon, just be sure to clip the on-page coupon. While we have seen it go as low as $399, which was last seen during Black Friday sales, you’ll be getting $300 in savings at one of the lowest prices we have tracked. Head below to see all the other deals during this sale.
One of three newer v2 models, Jackery’s Explorer 1000 v2 delivers serious power output considering its more compact design, with up to 1,500W being sent to your devices/appliances normally while being able to surge to 3,000W for larger backup needs. All this is coming from its 1,070Wh LiFePO4 capacity through its seven port options: one USB-A, two USB-Cs, and three ACs, as well as a car port.
Plugging it into a wall outlet will give you back a full capacity in about 1.6 hours, or you could reach it in just on hour by activating its emergency charging feature through the smart controls on its companion app. There’s also the 600W maximum solar input that you can utilize to recharge from the sun’s rays. It comes rated for a minimum of 4,000 life cycles, meaning that you can charge and discharge it every day for nearly 11 years of backup support.
Kärcher’s K1700 2,125 PSI electric pressure washer hits one of its best prices ever at $105
Amazon is now offering the Kärcher K1700 Electric Pressure Washer for $104.99 shipped. Coming down off its more recent $170 rate, which is down from its $200 price tag, discounts over the last year have mainly been keeping things above $120, though we did spy it dropping to $106 at the end of February. Today though, you’re looking at one of the best rates ever, with the 38% markdown here (48% off its $200 pricing) giving you back $65 at the third-lowest overall price we have tracked – $2 and $5 above the lowest prices.
There’s always plenty of grime left over after winter that calls for some spring cleaning, and this pressure washer from Kärcher is ready to power you through it all with up to a maximum 2,125 PSI and 1.46 max GPM flow rate. It features an on/off foot switch for easier operations, as well as an onboard 0.5-gallon detergent tank for soap application needs. There’s even a detachable storage container that you can use to keep the 20-foot hose, wand, and three included nozzles organized.
Tackle lawn duties with Greenworks’ 80V mower, trimmer, and blower combo at a new $560 low (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is starting off April with the best rate yet on the Greenworks 80V 21-inch Lawn Mower, 13-inch String Trimmer, and 730 CFM Leaf Blower Combo that is down at $559.99 shipped through the rest of the day. This 3-tool package typically carries a $1,100 price tag outside of discounts, which we saw fall as low as $600 over 2024 and has come down to $570 so far in 2025 – until today. You’re looking at a 49% markdown through the rest of the day, saving you $540 at a new all-time low price. It’d be difficult to find this exact combo elsewhere, including Amazon, where a less advanced 3-tool combo is the closest match at $550.
With spring finally here, this 3-tool bundle is a solid choice for folks who need to tackle various jobs outside your home. The mower comes with an 80V brushless motor for more efficient operation that is powered by the included 4.0Ah battery for up to a 1/2 acre of runtime on one full charge, as well as offering seven cutting height levels for your grass. The string trimmer cuts in a 13-inch swath and sports the brand’s dual bump feed head for easier line replacement in the middle of work, which can go on for up to 80 minutes with the battery. You’ll get up to 730 CFM of air flow (about 170 MPH) from the leaf blower, which does have a variable speed control for easier handling. And what’s always nice about ecosystems like Greenworks’ is that you can also swap out the battery for any others you may have, not to mention losing the noise and fumes from gas-guzzling models.
Segway Ninebot F3 eKickScooter (preorder through April 14): $600 (Reg. $850)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
Ford’s vehicles are about to get a whole lot cheaper. With its new “From America, For America” campaign, launched Thursday, Ford is rolling out steep discounts, including employee pricing for all, and a free home charger for EV buyers.
The new campaign promotes Ford’s “American-made” vehicles with some pretty sweet deals. Ford is offering employee pricing on most 2024 and 2025 model vehicles.
All Ford and Lincoln models except the F-150 Raptors, 2025 Super Duty pickups, and Expedition are included. The Lincoln Navigator and Ford’s fleet vehicles are also excluded.
Ford is also extending its “Power Promise” promo, which offers EV shoppers a free Level 2 home charger (plus standard installation), 24/7 live electric vehicle support, roadside assistance, and an 8-year, 100,000-battery warranty.
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The program was initially launched in October, but Ford extended it through the end of March after seeing an uptick in EV sales.
Ford’s Power Promise now runs through June 30 and is available for any new EV purchase or lease, including the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning pickup.
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)
According to Rob Kaffl, Ford’s director of US sales, the company is able to offer steep discounts because it has the inventory. Kaffl told The Detroit Free Press, “We’re in a very competitive position in our stock.”
With “a lot of uncertainty in the market right now” amid Trump’s new tariffs taking effect, Kaffl said Ford’s new “From America, For America” will provide some security.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (Source: Ford)
How significant are the discounts? Well, it will depend on the vehicle’s cost. A Ford dealer (who asked to remain anonymous) said an F-150 XLT hybrid with an MSARP of $65,000 would cost $55,000 under the employee pricing plan. The price of an Escape ST SUV, with an MSRP of $36,300, would be cut to $33,000.
Ford introduced the 2025 F-150 Lightning last week, with a new “Dark Elements” package and improved charging features. It still starts at $62,995.
The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $36,495 and is available in RWD (260-mile range) or eAWD (240-mile range). Upgrading to the extended battery will cost an extra $5,500 (eAWD only).
Electrek’s Take
The new promo comes after Ford reported on Tuesday that US sales fell by 1.3% in the first quarter. Despite limited inventory, the Mustang Mach-E is off to a record start in 2025, with over 11,600 units sold, outpacing the Chevy Equinox EV and Honda Prologue.
GM reported US sales growth of nearly 17% in the first three months of 2025. After EV sales doubled to 31,887, GM remained the number two seller of EVs in the US behind Tesla, topping Ford’s 22,550.
Although Ford has the largest manufacturing footprint in the US of any legacy automaker, CEO Jim Farley says it’s still not immune to the tariffs.
Ford imports about 21% of the vehicles it sells in the US. GM imports around 46%. Both are looking to get ahead of any potential impacts.
Ready to snag the savings on Ford’s electric vehicles while they are still here? You can use our links below to find deals on the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E models in your area.
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Trump’s new tariffs on China have just kneecapped Tesla’s only growing business: energy storage, which uses battery cells from China.
Tesla released its delivery results for Q1 2025 yesterday, which were quite disastrous. At 336,000 electric vehicle deliveries, they were 40,000 units below the consensus and about 20,000 units below what even the most pessimistic analysts expected.
But there was one silver lining: Tesla reported having deployed 10 GWh of energy storage – a new record for a first quarter.
While Tesla’s electric vehicle business entered a downturn in 2024, which is now accelerating in 2025, Tesla’s energy business, which primarily consists of selling Megapacks and Powerwalls, has been consistently growing.
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The bulk of this growth can be attributed to Tesla’s production ramp at its Lathrop Megafactory, where it produces the Megapack, and in the launch and production ramp of the Powerwall 3 with LFP battery cells.
Tesla now uses LFP battery cells from China to build these energy storage systems in California and Nevada.
This will significantly increase the prices of Tesla’s Powerwall and Megapack products, which should reduce the market.
The Biden administration had already announced an increase to 25% tariffs on Chinese battery cells meant for energy storage, coming in 2026.
Tesla was already bracing for the new tariff, but the Trump administration has dramatically accelerated the timeline and increased the tariffs. The administration has confirmed that the tariffs are stacking up on top of each other, which would mean 54% for goods coming from China.
The company is believed to almost exclusively use LFP battery cells from China’s CATL in its stationary energy storage products.
Tesla has also recently started production at a new Megafactory in Shanghai to produce the Megapack. The battery systems coming out of that plant are expected to be shipped to markets outside of the US and should enable Tesla to stay competitive outside the US.
Although, as we previously reported, Tesla is starting to face intense competition from its own battery suppliers for these products, CATL and BYD, which have both recently unveiled products to compete with the Megapack.
Tesla has also recently announced plans to build a second Megafactory in the US to build more Megapacks, but it’s not clear how those plans are going to be affected by the new tariffs.
Electrek’s Take
Since last year, stationary energy storage has been Tesla’s only growing business unit, and I was already worried about it because of increased competition. BYD and CATL already have a hold on LFP cells going into the Megapack, and now they are making their own Megapack products with their own cells.
Now, Tesla has to worry about tariffs significantly increasing the price of its Megapacks and Powerwalls in its biggest market: the US.
There’s a chance that Tesla has accumulated some inventory in anticipation of the tariffs, but unless they are removed, which is not impossible considering how volatile the administration has been about implementing its promised tariffs, it will result in massive Megapack and Powerwall price increases.
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