Why we’re thankful for you
- Solar United Neighbors
Here at Solar United Neighbors (SUN), we know solar is the future. It’s why, even with the loss of the residential solar tax credit this year, we are more dedicated to the solar revolution than ever. Our resilience in the face of attacks on solar is largely thanks to solar supporters like you, who contribute their time, generosity, and hope to the movement, and we are eternally grateful.
SUN’s network has grown to more than 900,000 solar supporters, whose efforts have achieved local wins like protecting Virginia from threats to net metering, passing a law to streamline solar in Florida, and launching a pilot project for community solar in Indiana. Thanks to your advocacy and support, we know solar cannot be stopped. Read more to learn how your support creates solar successes.
Solar volunteers share the SUN
In October, we launched SUN Dialers, a pilot volunteer program trained to support our texting, and eventually phone, banking programs. The support from our SUN Dialers has been integral in connecting with our supporters by increasing awareness for upcoming events, advocacy, and go solar opportunities.
“I’ve been happy to serve in the pilot SUN Dialers group… It is simple to help spread the word and hopefully engage some new voices for solar,” says SUN Dialer Hannah W., who has sent over 85,000 messages in just one month. “I have been working in the solar industry since 2016 and I’m so excited — believe it or not — about how it’s poised now, even with the loss of the tax credit. Distributed energy has been the driving thing I’ve cared about since I studied clean energy for the first time in college, and savings off of utility bills given rate increases is all the more reason to get excited.”
Showing up for solar
From January to June of this year, SUN mobilized thousands of our members to fight to protect the key solar provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), like the solar tax credit and Solar for All funding. Ultimately, Congress voted to eliminate the residential solar tax credit. However, this still led to a major win for SUN by mobilizing our solar community, which came together to send over 122,000 emails and make 4,000 phone calls to Congress and held 79 volunteer-led constituent meetings in 26 states.
Showing up for solar makes a real difference, like in the fight to save net metering in Virginia. Net metering is an essential benefit for solar owners as it allows them to receive credit for excess production, thus offsetting their electric bill and making solar more affordable. When a monopoly utility company attempted to dramatically lower the net metering compensation rate, SUN organized solar advocates to band together and submitted personal testimonies about the importance of net metering. Thanks to SUN members showing up in force, together we saved net metering, and as a result, set a precedent in Virginia for solar.
On October 23, more than 30 solar advocates, donors, and industry leaders attended our Denver fall fundraiser. Community events such as this are essential in sharing the sun as we were able to gather new supporters and strengthen our solar community. We were even able to announce a $15,000 matching donation for our Colorado program, which will help us continue to educate, organize, and mobilize our community.
Generosity drives progress
SUN’s work is possible largely due to the generosity of our base — every dollar goes to building a clean, fair, and democratic energy system. It is because of donors that we are able to offer services like our Solar Help Desk, which provides free expert advice to anyone in their solar journey, whether they want solar, are going solar, or already have solar. In 2024, we helped 37,000 people through our Help Desk. Contributions also support our solar bulk purchasing programs, which have helped create more than 400 jobs in 2025 alone.
“I’m passionate about solar because it means I can power my home and my car without burning fossil fuels. That allows me to be a responsible citizen in the present and leave a future legacy of a clean environment to my grandchildren, says Sunshine Club member Bob Moore, “Solar is an abundant energy source that, once it’s built, requires no fuels and emits no pollution. Plus I’m saving tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the system! I love SUN’s mission to help people access solar power by providing unbiased information and helping to simplify the task.”
During the fight to save the residential solar tax credit, more than 1,000 small-dollar donors, many of whom were first time donors, came together and collectively raised more than $22,000 for Solar United Neighbors Action. These donors demonstrated that when everyone comes together and chips in what they can, we can have a huge impact. SUN was able to direct these resources towards organizing supporters, amplifying our message in the media, and helping tens of thousands of solar advocates make their voice heard.
Giving is a powerful investment in our mission, and we couldn’t be more thankful to the many supporters who demonstrated their commitment to SUN’s vision throughout this year — whether with their dollars, time, or energy.
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