Energy equity

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
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