Solar with Justice: Connecting States and Communities - Resources

National Database of Community and Renewable Energy Organizations (List)

October 20, 2023

CESA compiled this database of over 400 community-oriented organizations with a focus on or interest in clean energy at the local level, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. The database especially emphasizes groups that seek to advance solar energy and environmental justice.

Predevelopment Funding for LMI Solar and Storage Projects: A Case Study from New York

August 22, 2023

NYSERDA’s Affordable Solar and Storage Predevelopment and Technical Assistance program in New York State is successfully addressing the predevelopment challenge for solar and storage projects for low- and moderate-income residents.

Strengthening a Minnesota Community with Solar and Resilience

July 6, 2023

This case study details the development of a community solar array and Resilience Hub in Duluth, Minnesota. This project provides a useful model for community-based organizations and state energy agencies interested in developing their own equity-focused energy and resilience projects.

Partnering to Reduce Energy Burden: A Michigan Community Solar and Weatherization Pilot

June 14, 2023

In an effort to reduce the energy burden on low-income Michiganders, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy collaborated with local community action agencies and utilities to develop three separate community solar pilot programs. This case study illustrates how the program partners developed each pilot, what they learned, and what advice they would give to those developing future programs.

Investing in Relationships: Strategies State Agencies Can Use to Equitably Partner with Community Representatives

May 5, 2023

This case study analyzes six programs conducted by the Energy Trust of Oregon that have shown success in building meaningful and impactful relationships with community representatives. These programs can serve as a model for other state agencies seeking to develop relationships with community partners in order to better meet their shared goals.

Solar Equity and State Policy: A Survey of State Energy Agencies

December 6, 2022

This Clean Energy States Alliance report explores how SEAs are currently working with CBOs on equitable solar policy, and the barriers to successfully implement these policies. The report is based on a survey of SEAs conducted by CESA in conjunction with Energy Trust of Oregon and Kim Wolske of the University of Chicago.

Community Outreach and Solar Equity: A Guide for States on Collaborating with Community-Based Organizations

February 17, 2021

This guide is a collection of best practices, ideas, and principles that provide states a foundation for building equitable relationships with community-based organizations and for working with them on solar development.

Solar with Justice - English version cover

Solar with Justice: Strategies for Powering Up Under-Resourced Communities and Growing an Inclusive Solar Market

December 10, 2019

This report aims to accelerate the implementation of solar in under-resourced communities in ways that provide meaningful, long-lasting benefits to those communities.

Solar with Justice - Spanish version cover

Energía Solar con Equidad Social – Resumen Ejecutivo

December 10, 2019

El objetivo del informe “Energía Solar con Equidad Social” es acelerar la implementación de energía solar en comunidades de escasos recursos en formas que proporcionen beneficios significativos y duraderos para estas comunidades.