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Accelerating Equitable Solar Energy in Communities

Accelerating Equitable Solar Energy in Communities is a two-year project recently completed through a partnership with The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) and communities in Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Sydney, Australia that expanded access to solar energy in historically disadvantaged communities. By installing rooftop solar systems in these communities, USDN and its partners not only advanced climate goals but also strengthened community resilience. This collaborative effort, guided by local partners and stakeholders, successfully deployed solar technology to improve energy affordability and equity while supporting broader sustainability initiatives in each city.

Project Results:

  • Total kW Solar Installed: 369.31 kW

  • Total Carbon Offset Per Year: 576 metric tons (the equivalent of over 75 homes' energy use for one year)

  • Total Estimated Energy Cost Savings Per Year: Approximately $7,374 (across 6 businesses, 18 apartment units, and 20 single-family homes)

Phoenix, Arizona

USDN in partnership with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and the City of Phoenix worked to install rooftop solar energy systems on ten single-family homes of Phoenix families who were income-qualified in an effort to promote equitable adoption of solar power and save them money on their monthly electric bills. These installations will result in an estimated savings of 845.9 metric tons of CO2 over 25 years, and will save participants an average of $937 in electric costs annually. This project leveraged ongoing efforts to provide more solar power to households across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Click here to read a full case study on the Phoenix, AZ solar project.

Watch the video below to see how solar energy had a positive impact on the lives of two Phoenix, AZ families!

Video Created By: Save the Airwaves

Sydney, Australia

USDN in partnership with Pingala, an Australian nonprofit organization, facilitated rooftop solar installations on two multi-family social housing buildings and several single-family homes in the Sydney metro area. This project engaged housing providers, operators, residents, and governmental and nonprofit agencies to install 113 kW of solar power, benefiting communities that otherwise would not have access to clean energy.

Click here to read a full case study on the Sydney, Australia solar project.

Watch the video below to see how solar energy increased clean energy for residents in Sydney, Australia!

Video Created By: Digital Storytellers

 

Salt Lake City, Utah

In Salt Lake City, UT, USDN in partnership with Utah Clean Energy and the Salt Lake City Department of Sustainability increased the adoption of solar energy by small businesses in the Westside of Salt Lake City, a low and moderate income (LMI) neighborhood with a high percentage of minority-owned businesses. The project team worked with local businesses to support them with evaluation, implementation, and financial assistance to install solar PV and battery storage on their businesses. 193 kW-dc of solar was installed at six businesses owned by five unique building managers, along with battery storage installations totaling 107 kWh at two of the businesses.

Click here to read a full case study on the Salt Lake City, UT solar project.