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Federal Effort Launched To Expand Solar Power In Communities

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Obama administration says it wants to help middle-class and low-income communities put solar panels on their roofs.

Officials say a plan launched Tuesday would allow homeowners to install solar panels and make other energy upgrades with no upfront costs, but they will gradually pay back the cost through their property tax bills.

This clean-energy financing has existed for years, but officials say backing by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs should increase the number of families who can take advantage of the program.

Gov. Jerry Brown of California says this new effort should lead to more solar installations and energy retrofits across the country.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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