How can community solar projects help build equitable workforce opportunities?

Community solar projects and programs invested in building equitable workforce opportunities have found success in: Providing worker-centric, responsive training and apprenticeship opportunities for a diverse set of participants.

What is a community solar governance structure?

This structure allows members to have a direct governance stake in the benefits being delivered to them by their community solar project. The future of community solar relies on a strong, equitable workforce to support the industry’s exponential growth and ambitious goals.

Should a community solar program include workforce development and training requirements?

Include workforce development and training requirements in state or local program rules. State or local community solar programs can include training and other workforce development requirements in their project solicitations.

How can community solar help low- to moderate-income communities?

Innovative strategies for community solar projects and programs to better serve low- to moderate-income communities include: Allow multiple payment methods. Some households may not have access to a bank account or qualify for a credit card.

Do community solar projects have access to subscriptions for low- and moderate-income households?

Community solar projects and programs can prioritize access to subscriptions for low- and moderate-income households and ensure those subscriptions include strong consumer protections. The 2022 Sunny Awards required that projects reserve at least 40% of their capacity for low- to moderate-income households.

What is Heart Butte Community Solar?

Heart Butte Community Solar supported a local science teacher’s work to develop renewable energy engineering challenges for her students. With this support, students received hands-on training and hours of additional renewables-focused learning in addition to community solar subscriptions for their families.