The biggest threat to scaling community solar isn’t cost. It’s interconnection.

Live from the PowerUp Stage at RE+ Northeast, Samantha Weaver of the Coalition for Community Solar Access dives into why so many promising clean energy projects never make it past the planning phase. Spoiler: it’s not because the technology isn’t ready—it’s because the system isn’t.

With jaw-dropping examples (a 100-project backlog that would take 50 years to process?!), Samantha breaks down how sluggish utility review processes, outdated cost models, and data black holes are bringing progress to a crawl.

“Only 20% of distributed energy projects submitted in the last decade are online. The rest? Stuck or withdrawn.” - Samantha Weaver

This is an eye-opening conversation that shows how the right policies—and partnerships—can turn gridlock into greenlight.

Expect to learn:
🔹 The policy loopholes causing multi-million-dollar grid upgrade surprises
🔹 What “zombie projects” are and why they’re choking the interconnection pipeline
🔹 The one map every solar developer needs before applying
🔹 Why community solar is essential for the 70% of Americans who can’t go solar on-site

Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the roadblocks to energy equity—and what it’ll take to clear the way.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Samantha Weaver:

• LinkedIn

Check out Coalition for Community Solar Access:

• ‍Website | LinkedIn | X | Facebook | YouTube

“The biggest barrier to community solar isn’t tech or financing—it’s interconnection delays and unpredictable upgrade costs.” - Samantha Weaver

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