Solar and Energy Storage for Massachusetts Environmental Justice Communities: Benefits, Barriers, and Solutions

Massachusetts has some of the best solar and energy storage programs in the country, but these programs lack meaningful equity provisions that target low-income households. As such, clean energy adoption rates in environmental justice communities (i.e., those that have higher shares of low-income, minority, and/or limited English speaking populations) are low. Behind-the-meter solar and solar paired with storage can lower energy costs, reduce the need for polluting resources, and improve resiliency by providing access to backup power during grid outages.

A new report prepared by the Applied Economics Clinic on behalf of Clean Energy Group, Vote Solar, and the Union of Concerned Scientists estimates the potential for behind-the-meter solar paired with storage in Massachusetts EJ neighborhoods and identifies possible solutions to address barriers to adoption. The report’s analysis and recommendations were developed in collaboration with an advisory committee representing environmental justice organizations, affordable housing, and clean energy developers.

In this webinar, Clean Energy Group, Vote Solar, and the Union of Concerned Scientists will present the report and discuss its findings. There will be an opportunity to answer questions from the audience.

Panelists:

• Todd Olinsky-Paul, Clean Energy Group
• Elena Weissmann, Vote Solar
• Paula García, Union of Concerned Scientists
• Tanya Stasio, Applied Economics Clinic

This webinar is the second in a two-part series. Part 1 focuses on the opportunity for behind-the-meter solar paired with storage to offset forecasted electric demand growth in Massachusetts; read more here.