The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) explains how properties can distribute financial benefits of community or rooftop solar to residents that do not have an individual utility bill. A growing number of states offer community solar programs, which are often used to benefit renter households in multifamily buildings.

In the case of HUD-assisted multifamily properties that are master-metered, residents do not have an individual electricity bill, and the full credit of the renewable energy generation goes to the building owner. In its memo, HUD provides a list of resident solar distribution programs and an assessment of whether the benefit would impact a resident’s income and rent determination for HUD-assisted housing.

LeadingAge supports HUD’s emphasis on both greening the multifamily housing portfolio and passing on benefits to residents. More information is available here.