Energy equity

Community solar expands access to clean energy, new study shows

Peer-reviewed research finds that community solar makes cheap renewable power available to more people, including those who live in rentals and multifamily buildings.

By Alison F. Takemura . 1 July 2024

Rows of solar panels stand in grass at a community solar garden. — A community solar array harvests the sun at Jack’s Solar Garden in Longmont, Colorado. (Alison F. Takemura)

Solar

Solar is about to get a lot more affordable for low-income households

The EPA’s historic $7 billion Solar for All program will help every state fund solar projects for lower-income residents. In many states, that will be a first.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 April 2024
Solar

A Boston grocery store is bringing community solar to a low-income area

An 81-kilowatt project on the roof of the Dorchester Food Co-Op will test a community ownership model. New federal climate policies could help make it scalable.

By Sarah Shemkus . 21 March 2024
Solar

Low-income communities will soon get $7 billion for local solar

Per a new analysis of 35 proposed state programs, the historic climate-law funding would benefit more than 700,000 low-income households. Here’s how.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 February 2024
Energy equity

Free-solo climber Alex Honnold has another mission: Energy equity

The renowned climber translates his passion for heights into high-impact solar projects, powering change one community at a time.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 27 February 2024
Solar

Can solar for low-income families work in Georgia's tough market?

The state is among the least favorable toward rooftop solar. A new program thinks it’s cracked the code on making it accessible to low-income residents anyway.

By Jeff St. John . 12 February 2024
EV charging

3 ways to help EV charging bloom in 'charging deserts'

For EV chargers to take off in disadvantaged communities, we'll need public-sector support — and private-sector innovation to make the economics work.

By Jeff St. John . 10 January 2024
Climatetech finance

An IRA grant could help low-income residents in New Hampshire go solar

The state is seeking $70 million in federal funding and partnering with housing advocates to expand access to solar power for low- and moderate-income residents.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 December 2023
Solar

California makes it harder for schools, farms and rental housing to go solar

Regulators have slashed the value of shared-solar systems, starting in early 2024. School districts, community advocates and politicians have expressed outrage over the decision.

By Jeff St. John . 17 November 2023
Utilities

Duke Energy will cover upfront costs of home efficiency upgrades

In what could be the largest such effort from a big investor-owned utility, the program will recoup costs over time via low on-bill payments from customers.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 4 October 2023
Energy equity

Four advocates share how to make electrification more equitable in cities

Canary Media and Rewiring America invited experts on urban electrification onstage during Climate Week NYC. Here are key takeaways from the event.

By Maria Gallucci . 21 September 2023