Solar access and affordability
Power for all
Our energy system puts profits above people. We need a system where people are at the center regardless of class, race, income and homeownership.
Energy democracy
Energy Democracy means giving power back to communities instead of big utility companies. It supports clean energy, protects the environment, helps local jobs, and improves people’s health and well-being.
Why do we need energy democracy?
Our energy system is broken
Our current energy system is broken and controlled by the utility companies that prioritize profits and politicians over justice and communities.
Energy is expensive
Those of us who often struggle to keep up with our bills due to rising costs, often spend the most out of our paychecks on our electricity bills, which means we have less to spend on basic needs like food, housing, education, and medical expenses.
People want the power
It’s not fair or right that utilities hold all the power and it needs to change. That change starts by working together to take our power back through other means such as rooftop solar and community solar.
Energy burden is unequally distributed
Low-income households spend, on average, 7.2% of their income on utility bills. That is more than triple the 2.3% spent by higher-income households.
The clean energy transition is happening, whether or not it’s just, depends on who benefits from it.
Local power
We need to make our energy system accountable to us — the American people.
SUN envisions a democratic energy system. One in which regular people are an important part of the system. One where we make our own electricity from a variety of sources and the benefits stay in our communities.
We’re working to ensure a just transition. One that fairly addresses all of our unique circumstances. One that benefits all of us.
Understanding our whole energy system can be overwhelming but we must remember that tackling large issues starts by starting small and crafting solutions at the community level. However, we must do so while addressing inequality and social injustice in the process. Investing in solar means investing in ourselves and our community. Additionally, Local power means affordable and reliable power.
Energy equity
Energy equity means everyone has fair access to affordable, clean, and reliable energy — no matter their income, background, or where they live. It also means making sure no group is treated unfairly by having to deal with more problems, like higher energy costs or more pollution, just because of who they are or where they live.
Solar access storiesSolar access stories: Energy equity in action
While solar is more accessible than ever, still not everyone can go solar. People who rent, have limited credit, or don’t have financing lack equal access to solar. Solar United Neighbors has been leading the charge on how solar can transform our energy system into one that’s democratic and equitable for everyone. Our approach is to support local advocates. We work with communities to understand local barriers to solar. Then, SUN and local community members put plans into action and remove those barriers.
Listen to real stories below from community members about how going solar helped them save money and take their power back.
Energy equity in Indianapolis
Carmela Thomas was one of 10 participants who received a free rooftop solar installation in the Indianapolis income-qualified pilot. The success of the pilot program was due to the collaboration with community partners that have already built trust with community members and ensuring that the members were informed and involved throughout the process.
Independencia Energética en Puerto Rico
Both Juan Antonio and Victor Santana live in San Juan, Puerto Rico and have experienced the fragility of the island’s energy system. Extreme weather has laid bare the challenges of unreliable utilities and aging grid infrastructure. But solar energy is bringing light and hope.
Community-driven energy in Northeast Houston
Doris Brown has lived in her neighborhood in northeast Houston for 56 years. Her favorite part about her community is the people. Now, thanks to a new solar installation, she has the power to help her community in the event of an emergency.“I no longer live in fear of the lights going out, not being able to breathe.”
Community-led solar in Boston
For a long time, the benefits of solar energy could only be used by people who owned their homes. That left the rest of us who couldn’t afford a system or didn’t own our homes behind. However, Community solar is different. Community solar can be fairer than rooftop solar because it lets renters save money and use clean energy too.
But oftentimes, many projects leave us or the people around us out. That’s not fair or right. In Boston, a group of dedicated community members worked together to create a community solar project and a cooperative so that the community could own the project too. This gave control of the energy back to the people and made sure everyone was included.
249
Total income-qualified families we’ve helped go solar
36.6M lbs
Total carbon emissions offset
$5.4M
Energy savings for income-qualified co-op households
The money I don’t spend on the electric bill, I spend it other places.
What you can do
Reclaim your power! Thinking of large issues like our energy system can overwhelm us. But have no fear! We just have to remember that solving big issues means starting small. That means learning about where our energy comes from, the power of our communities, and the meaningful steps you can take to be a part of the solution. With SUN’s support you can be part of the clean energy transition.
Find an income-qualified program in your area
SUN has programs that provide discounts on your rooftop solar system that make them little or no-cost to you. Look for a program in your area to see if you qualify!
Join a community solar project
Nearly 80% of the population can’t put solar panels on their roofs . That’s why community solar is an option for many renters and others who can’t afford rooftop. Learn more about what community solar is, see if it exists in your area and sign up today!
Take action to support energy rights in your region
Clean, affordable energy is not accessible to everyone without policies that protect consumers and support access to those that need it the most. Help us build a new energy system that puts power in the hands of the people.
Join the Energy Champions Program
Our energy system is unfair and leaves many out of the conversation but SUN is here to help. Join our Energy Champion Program to learn more about the energy system, energy democracy and energy justice in an interactive live virtual training. You’ll leave with an action plan to get more involved in the movement
Featured resources
People’s Utility Justice Playbook
How to spot solar panel scams
Our partners
We cannot do this work alone. We work with a variety of partners all over the country to help make solar access a reality for all. Check out their websites for more solar access and energy equity resources.
Contact us
Need help understanding what opportunities for solar are available to you? Connect with our Solar Access and Affordability Team.
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