Community Solar, Through the Eyes of a PowerMarket Intern

The market of community solar can appear to be quite complex, especially as an individual looking within! Yet within its complexities lie a plethora of options that may cater to one's needs and interests, no matter your background. Whether it be one's passion to better the health of their community's environment through renewable energy or even simply just searching for a convenient way to receive discounting services on their utility bills, there is a lot to be gained from community solar. As an intern at PowerMarket, I have been given the opportunity to be a part of the internal operations of a community solar company. Through this opportunity, I have been able to reassess my perspectives on community solar and how it functions within New York as well as further internalize the core reasons as to why I chose to continue to invest in my professional career in the community solar market. This blog will further dive into a particular aspect of community solar that continues to fuel my passion as a newcomer within the field.

What is Community Solar ( A quick recap)
With the renewable energy industry gaining momentum in recent years, the question of equity and accessibility has become a primary concern for many. Such concerns have been centered around communities that specifically reside in geographical areas that are incapable of supporting solar infrastructure. Those who reside within LMI (Low to moderate income) communities and/or face financial burdens have also historically been excluded from the energy industry. According to the Census Bureau, about 80 percent of the United States population reside within urban areas. Such areas often lack green spaces and are densely populated. New York City is an example of this. As solar infrastructure requires adequate roof space and up-to-date building and infrastructure, many consumers within these communities are forced out of the market without the chance to participate in a solar program or access to benefits. To create a more equitable market for these groups, community solar was created as an alternative to provide consumers the opportunity to receive the benefits on an environmental and economic scale, without having to invest in a private project and without expense to their quality of life. With broader access, community solar has been growing to become a well-sought out option for urbanized and LMI communities.

What about community solar drew me in?
Community Solar, as I mentioned above, can look quite complex. This statement is something that appears in my mind frequently, especially as an individual who has recently become post-grad and is still navigating the world of sustainability and renewable energy. My initial interest in this field emerged from personal experience, as a child of an immigrant family in an LMI community. Growing up, my family has always faced housing burden and as a product of this environment, conversations pertaining to housing costs, utility bills and financial struggles were quite common. I eventually discovered it was not unique to me, as it became apparent that others within my community faced similar issues, especially within homes that were outdated, poorly insulated and more than often, neglected. When I was first introduced to community solar, I was extremely intrigued, mainly because I believed that it had the potential to aid in all aspects of sustainability, while also benefiting LMI communities such as my own. I believed that community solar held the capabilities to expand consumer interests within the renewable energy market, which would aid in the reduction of ghg usage while also offering projects and utility bill discounts that all, no matter income background could possibly participate in. Learning about community solar and what it could possibly do for LMI communities was what allowed me to find my footing within the broad arena of environmentalism.

What am I looking forward to with community solar
Since my growing interest in community solar, I actively participated in internships and other sustainable spaces that gave me the space to learn more about the complexities of the market. Through each interaction, I learned two core values that are necessary for a community solar company to be successful. These values are dedication and a strong foundational community. As a PowerMarket intern, I was able to connect with people who shared a similar passion to mine, which is to expand shared solar to all LMI communities, and from these personal interactions, I have been able to gain more confidence in community solar and in the individuals who are leading the way within the renewable energy market. There is a lot of work that still needs to be done in order for LMI communities to be fully included within the solar community. Being a part of this professional space has shown me the complexities. However, what continues to drive me are the people leading the fight, as well as the many benefits that have been received and could be received from a community solar project. My personal passion for global equity in the sustainable space is what also makes me passionate about community solar. As a PowerMarket intern, I have held onto that passion and I look forward to a world where every community, no matter socioeconomic status is living a sustainable and healthy lifestyle, with the help of community solar.