Solar United Neighbors

Solar United Neighbors envisions a clean, equitable energy system that directs control and benefits back to local communities, with solar on every roof and money in every pocket. We aim to transform the US energy system from a centralized monopoly-based system to a grassroots, democracy-based system that allows everyone to participate and fairly compensates people for their contributions. Our goals are to: 1) Transform the public understanding of solar from a niche "green" technology to a mainstream practical investment, 2) Help people go solar and protect their solar investment, 3) Build and broaden the solar movement by enabling people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to benefit from solar energy.

In order to transform the public understanding of solar from a niche "green" technology to a mainstream practical investment, we educate the public about solar energy through online platforms and free public information sessions, work with diverse local partners (churches, local governments, civic associations, advocacy groups. etc.), and engage local press in solar education and positive stories about solar in their communities.

In order to help people go solar and protect their solar investment, we organize solar bulk purchasing programs called solar co-ops, which make solar more affordable and accessible to community members. By going solar as a group, participants save on the cost of their system and get the best products, warranties, etc. for the best price. Solar co-op participants get one-on-one support from our technical experts throughout the co-op process. As a result, significantly more homeowners go solar than would otherwise. We also offer a membership program with a solar Help Desk that provides support and services to help people go solar outside of a co-op, make the most of their solar investment, and keep up to date on solar policy, incentives, and technology. We educate our network about legislative and regulatory threats to their solar investments, and help people participate in public comment processes and other ways of making their voices heard. When appropriate, we also intervene in Public Service Commission proceedings to protect the rights and interests of distributed solar owners.

In order to broaden the solar movement by enabling people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to benefit from solar energy, we work with diverse community partners to engage new constituencies in the clean energy movement. We also engage solar supporters in clean energy and solar policy initiatives to make solar energy more affordable and accessible to low-income residents, renters, and others whose access is usually limited. We also run a robust engagement program which engages Solar United Neighbors members in educational opportunities, community outreach, and social events to connect with other solar supporters and build a supportive community that has the capacity to take on significant policy and regulatory challenges.

Solar United Neighbors started as a small group of neighbors working together to get solar at a discount. Over the past nine years, we have developed a unique grassroots model that helps people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

Our team is exceptionally skilled in solar technology, policy, and community organizing. We have over 25 staff working to implement the best programs and provide the best service possible. We have a NABCEP-certified Solar PV Installation Professional on staff, and have many other staff who are experts in current solar panels, inverters, and related product offerings. We are also very knowledgeable about electric vehicles, batteries for home energy storage, and how to integrate other technologies with solar PV. Other staff are subject matter experts in solar policy, especially community solar, low-income solar programs, net metering, and utility regulation. All of our staff are extremely passionate about their work, creative and not afraid to try new things to make our programs (and our world) better.

Our program model is effective, practical, proven, and scalable. We have been tremendously successful in sparking excitement about solar in communities from urban Baltimore to rural West Virginia, and everywhere in between. We have deployed a significant capacity of residential solar power, boosting local economies and creating jobs as we did so. Our programs have strengthened local solar markets and created new solar companies while bringing prices down and quality up for customers. And most importantly, we have created an engaged grassroots base that we have deployed for a number of important policy wins.

As of October 2017, we have directly engaged 15,000 residents in solar education, helped 2,325 homeowners go solar, and installed 16,800 kW of solar capacity. This work has invested $272 million in local communities, reduced carbon emissions by 580 million pounds, and created 505 solar jobs.

In 2017, we launched programs in three new states (Minnesota, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) and launched our Solar for All program to provide free solar installations to low-income homeowners in DC. In 2018, we will launch programs in several additional states, roll out a membership program to all states where we have an on-the-ground presence, and continue to add meaningful goods and services for members. We will continue to organize solar co-ops and engage people in solar advocacy in order to make solar more affordable and accessible for everyone.