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Solar with Justice: Connecting States and Communities - Resources

Directory of Solar Energy Technical Assistance Available to Community-Based Organizations

March 18, 2024

Community-based organizations (CBOs) pursuing solar energy projects may benefit from additional resources and information to help them achieve their desired clean energy and community-building outcomes.

Working with Community-Based Organizations to Advance Solar for LMI and Disadvantaged Communities: Selected Resources for State Energy Agencies

December 12, 2023

In this resource guide, CESA recommends four previously published resources that elaborate on what state energy agencies should consider when conducting stakeholder outreach and engaging with community-based organizations.

National Database of Community and Renewable Energy Organizations (Map)

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.

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.