Energy democracy and equity: solar for everyone
- Factsheet
How we’re making solar accessible and affordable for all
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 help communities figure out the local barriers to solar. Then, we support them to put plans into action and remove those barriers.
Our approach is simple and pragmatic:
- Help a local partner develop a solar pilot project.
- Together, learn from the pilot project to identify the specific local barriers to scaling.
- Work with local partners to address these barriers.
- Expand the number of projects and beneficiaries with another project cycle.
- Refine and expand solutions, such as financing, policy framework, and education.
This is our theory of change in action! We help people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights. We repeat this process again and again, transforming our energy system.
Together, we remove barriers to solar. We hold utilities accountable, fight for better policies, and put solar on roofs. In the process, we build a better and equitable energy system.
Learn more about our energy equity workLearn more about our energy equity work
See how we’re creating a just and accessible solar energy future for all.
Pathway to Prosperity
Community Solar Basics: Programs and Policy
Community Solar in Maryland – Year 2
Community Solar in Maryland – Year 1
Federal Trade Commission petition
SUN’s Energy Equity and Inclusion Case Statement
The People’s Utility Justice Playbook
This free guide exposes utility tactics and shares how communities are building power to fight back.
The problem with our current energy system
Our energy system is broken. Utility companies are giant monopolies. They’re vertically integrated and investor owned, putting profits above justice and democracy.
These monopoly utilities have an outsized voice in how the rules are made. They invest millions of dollars to lobby elected officials. They control big, expensive power plants and extract wealth from communities.
To make things worse, our current energy system reinforces centuries of structural racism. Low-income and communities of color have the highest energy burdens. They bear the greatest health, property, and environmental impacts of traditional energy extraction and production.
On average, low-income households spend 7.2% of their income on utilities. Higher-income households spend only 2.3%. Saving money on electricity means a family can cover other basic needs. That includes food, housing, education, and medical expenses.
As we transition to a new energy system, we have to do better.
We need a democracy energy systemWe need a democratic energy system
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 addresses race, class, and gender inequalities. One that benefits everyone.
We need to solve climate change and environmental pollution. We must do so while addressing inequality and social injustice in the process.
Distributed solar: the key to an equitable systemDistributed solar: the key to an equitable system
Solar is a powerful tool to create a fair energy system. We don’t have to wait for the government to solve our problems. We can start putting up solar now.
People who own solar become energy producers and consumers. Distributed rooftop solar lets local communities shape their energy system.
- Solar saves money on electricity costs.
- Solar reduces pollution in the communities that bear the brunt of dirty energy pollution.
- Solar creates local jobs and wealth.
- Solar challenges the dominant monopoly utility business model.
- Solar is modular and scalable.
- Solar can be deployed today!
The 30 Million Solar Homes campaign
In partnership with the Initiative for Energy Justice (IEJ) and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), SUN launched the 30 Million Solar Homes campaign (30MSH). This federal policy effort aims to power 30 million households (about 1 in 4) with rooftop or community solar over five years.
Central to our vision is expanding solar access to historically-marginalized communities. The policies in 30MSH dedicate more than three quarters of total federal investment to low- and moderate-income communities, environmental justice communities, and solar deserts. More than 300 advocacy organizations, solar businesses, and faith communities have signed on in support of the campaign.
The 30MSH campaign creates economic, environmental, and social equity benefits on all levels: nationally, statewide, and for local communities.
Read our full report: The impact of 30 Million Solar Homes: a vision for an equitable economic recovery built on climate protection and energy democracy.
Energy democracy and equity resourcesEnergy democracy and equity resources
Energy democracy: taking back power
NAACP’s Just Energy Policies & Practices Action Toolkit
Democratizing the Electricity System
Beyond sharing – How communities can take ownership of renewable power
Energy Democracy: Advancing equity in clean energy solutions
Just energy policies
Comprehensive Building Blocks for a Regenerative and Just 100% Policy
Energy democracy: Goals and policy instruments for social technical transitions
After Texas, Green New Deal Advocates Push Rooftop Solar. But Will Biden Fund It?
Biden’s Solar Ambitions Hinges On More Inclusive Policy
Puerto Rico wants clean energy. Will the Biden administration listen?
Building Solar Justice
Equitable Solar Policy Principles
The Solar for All program
Solar for All is a groundbreaking program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It provides $7 billion dollars in funding to expand solar access for low-income families throughout the country.
Solar for All news and resources
Solar for All Announcements
Wherever The Sun Shines: Bringing Solar Power To All Households
Low-income Solar Policy Guide
Solar with Justice
Making solar energy more accessible to lower income Americans
Expanding access to solar energy for all American households
Shared Renewable Energy for Low to Moderate-income consumers: Policy guidelines and model provisions
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Fight for your solar rights.
Everyone has the right to go solar. Spread the sunshine nationwide and in your local community by taking action, joining events, and more.