Powering Communities with Local Solar

As we celebrate Energy Awareness Month, it’s time to name and celebrate the innovative solutions that clean energy can bring. Local solar is emerging as a transformative solution in the clean energy transition. It provides people with access to clean energy, reduces reliance on fossil fuel-powered energy systems, and lowers energy costs. Throughout the country, we’re advocating for policies that drive our mission of 100% clean, just, and equitable future for all. Local solar is at the heart of this movement.

The Local Solar Movement

Local solar means generating electricity close to where it’s used – whether through rooftop solar on homes and businesses or larger community solar projects. This approach gives everyday people direct access to clean energy, cutting costs and reducing dependence on fossil-fuel.

Local solar is particularly valuable for expanding clean energy access. Even those who rent, live in multi-family housing, or have roofs unsuitable for solar can benefit from community solar projects. It increases the role of communities in the transition to a sustainable future.

But local solar is more than just a clean energy solution—it represents a powerful movement toward energy independence and resilience for communities across the country. By embracing local solar, communities can take control of their own energy generation, reducing their reliance on investor-owned utilities that often prioritize profits over people. This shift allows for greater self-sufficiency and shields communities from the price volatility associated with fossil fuels.

In addition to fostering energy independence, local solar offers a crucial financial benefit: lower energy bills. For many families, high utility costs are a significant burden. By generating electricity locally, whether through rooftop solar or community solar programs, people can reduce their monthly energy expenses, making clean energy more affordable and accessible.

Local solar also plays a vital role in expanding access to renewable energy. It ensures that clean energy is available to everyone, regardless of whether they own a home or live in an apartment. Community solar projects, in particular, are an excellent option for renters or those whose roofs are unsuitable for solar installations, enabling them to share in the benefits of solar energy without needing their own panels.

Another key advantage of local solar is its potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Traditional power plants, which rely on coal, oil, or gas, are major contributors to pollution and climate change. By investing in local solar, communities can lessen their dependence on these polluting sources of energy, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment for all.

How Local Solar Works
Local solar can take different forms, whether it’s rooftop solar installed on homes and businesses or shared community solar projects. Rooftop solar empowers individuals and businesses to generate their own electricity, cutting energy costs and contributing to a cleaner environment. Community solar, on the other hand, allows multiple households, apartment dwellers, schools, and other organizations to benefit from a shared solar array, making it a flexible solution for those who can’t install panels themselves.

In many cases, solar power can be paired with energy storage systems, like batteries, which store excess energy generated during the day. This stored energy can then be used when the sun isn’t shining or during power outages, providing homes and communities with greater resilience and stability. By integrating solar with energy storage, local solar becomes an even more powerful tool for building a clean, reliable, and equitable energy future.

Local Solar’s Transformative Impact
Several states are setting the standard for local solar initiatives, demonstrating how community-focused energy solutions can transform entire regions. One standout example is Minnesota, where Vote Solar has been working to reimagine how utilities incorporate local solutions into the energy system.

With an ambitious commitment to adding 2.5 GW of local solar by 2030, Minnesota is making a bold statement on the role of clean energy in its future. But the story doesn’t stop there. Innovative new proposals, like Xcel Energy’s Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP), Minnesota are pioneering a transformative approach to integrating local solutions such as solar as core components of its energy planning process. Instead of merely reacting to solar adoption, this is an opportunity to incorporate clean energy solutions as critical pieces of the energy supply puzzle.

A Brighter Future with Local Solar

Local solar offers a path to energy independence, job creation, and resilience. States across the country are taking bold steps to integrate solar into their energy systems, bringing clean energy solutions to communities that need them most. As states continue to prioritize local solar, more people will have access to lower energy bills and cleaner air, while reducing their reliance on fossil fuel-powered grids.

How to Get Started:

1. Explore community solar programs in your area: Many states offer community solar programs that allow you to join a shared solar array. This option is great for renters or those without suitable roofs for solar panels.
2. Consider rooftop solar for your home or business: If you own a home or business, installing rooftop solar can help you generate your own electricity and lower your monthly energy bills.
3. Pair solar with battery storage for added resilience: If you already have solar panels, pairing them with battery storage can increase your energy resilience during outages or at night when the sun isn’t shining.
4. Connect with local community organizations: Many community-based organizations offer resources and support for making the switch to local solar. They can help you find the best options for your home or business.

By embracing local solar, we can build communities powered by clean energy while also gaining from the benefits of a more resilient and equitable world. Together, we can achieve more wins on the path toward a 100% clean energy future.