Author: Ronald Bethea    Published: 7/5/2026 PCPC Online Digital Podcast-Radio TV Network

Ronald Bethea hosted “Solar Now and the Future with its Economic Impact on Black America” discussed  Community Solar Programs and green banks in the DMV market area. Bethea announced a new community solar marketing campaign launched by the Positive Change Purchasing Cooperative LLC, highlighting programs available.  Through Think Energy that offer reduced electricity bills for up to 20 years with no installation or maintenance requirements.

Ronald detailed the $16 billion electricity rate hike recently implemented by the PJM region, attributing 63% of the increase to data centers, particularly in Virginia where over 300 data centers are operating. He criticized the bottleneck in community solar project development, and that the PJM had fast-tracked fossil fuel projects over renewable energy projects.

The Maryland Community Solar program was started in 20217 was capped at raised from 30,000. When the program transition to permeant status in January 2025 the cap was raised to 300,000  for residents in Maryland. Ronald expressed concerns about the lack of participation by African-American owned solar installation companies in these programs, questioning the inclusion of minority contractors in the Maryland community solar grants worth $43 million announced by Governor Wes Moore.

Bethea emphasized the importance of better communication about program availability and deadlines, citing examples of missed opportunities due to unclear announcements and short application windows. The show concluded with discussions about data center impacts on communities, particularly highlighting successful legal challenges in New York and the need for continued vigilance regarding renewable energy project development.