Income inequality is growing in America. Community solar with energy-saving measures could be a way to empower those with low to moderate income.

The benefits of renewable energy sources are firmly established at this point, and they extend far beyond the apparent environmental value that is probably taken for granted by now.

For example, they lead to more people having access to drinkable water ¹ (which is no small thing considering water scarcity is predicted to become one of the largest crises in modern history²); they offer resilience to a deteriorating energy infrastructure; and, if done correctly, they do less to disturb natural wildlife habitats than activities such as drilling for oil or fracking, which leads to larger ecosystems for plants and animals to thrive in.

Yes, they give us clean air because they don’t produce greenhouse gas emissions ³ (and let’s not forget how big of a benefit that is), but renewable energy is not a “one trick pony.” Not by a long shot.

But to date, not everyone has enjoyed the benefits of clean energy equally. A central motivation in Sunrun’s founding in 2007 was improving the lack of accessibility to solar power. Until then, the upfront cost of home solar installations prevented most Americans from adopting it.

Co-founders Lynn Jurich and Ed Fenster pioneered the “solar as a service” model to eliminate the need for large amounts of cash on hand, and hundreds of thousands of Americans have benefitted as a result. 

But even as solar power surges forward toward mainstream adoption, the negative impacts of outdated, dirty energy sources disproportionately harm those in disadvantaged communities and low-income residents.⁴

WHO: Breathe Life - How air pollution impacts your body

Research shows that lower-income communities suffer higher exposure to pollutants than higher-income communities.⁵ It's worth emphasizing that the potential health consequences are far more severe than a scratchy throat and itchy eyes (namely, heart attacks, cancer, stroke, and lung disease).⁶ And the medical bills that go along with pollution-induced health issues are a disproportionately bigger burden on lower-income Americans.

So, to put it succinctly, pollution is a problem for everyone, but it’s especially serious for our most vulnerable populations.

Renewable Energy vs. Vehicle and Residential Emissions

Nearly 30% of emissions in the U.S. come from vehicles^7, and most Americans living below the poverty line reside in or near urban centers with heavy traffic.⁸ As we transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs), we should see those emissions reduced drastically, but EV adoption is taking time.

One of the factors preventing a quicker widespread adoption of EVs is convenient access to EV chargers. This is precisely where renewable energy—and rooftop solar arrays especially—can play a big role.

Let the sun charge your EV

While an EV might not produce emissions, the source that provided that EV with its power in the first place very well could have. Most utility grids are flowing with power generated from a mix of sources; fossil fuels still account for a huge portion of that mix.⁹ 

Plus, if the power that charged your EV was generated hundreds of miles away, there will inevitably be huge inefficiencies in transporting the electricity, even if it does come from a renewable source.

With residential solar projects, both of these problems can be mitigated. The EV can be charged at home using clean energy generated in the same spot. Rooftop solar panels generate no emissions and cut down on the amount of power needed from the grid, which is likely produced (at least in part) from non-renewable sources.

On that note, 25% of emissions in the U.S. come from energy production. There’s a much more direct correlation here. The more people who rely on solar system installations, the less harmful air pollution power plants and refineries will spew into the atmosphere, disproportionately affecting those in low-income solar access communities.

While this gives us a ray of hope, in the face of concrete data showing the pollutants ailing many of these communities, it can seem like an idyllic fantasy. Fortunately, though, it’s not.

Using Solar For Low-Income Households

Sunrun’s mission from the beginning has been to create a planet run by the sun. And a big part of that belief stems from our conviction in transforming our energy system so everyone under the sun can benefit. The recent retirement of the Oakland Power Plant provided an opportunity to further that mission seriously.

The power previously generated by burning jet fuel couldn’t just disappear. Residents still needed a source of electricity. So Surun partnered with East Bay Community Energy in Oakland, California, to ensure the new power source for many in the less affluent areas of West Oakland (and Alameda County at large) wouldn’t be the same source poisoning their air.

“At today’s costs, solar and battery power could provide the equivalent of 50 natural gas power plants in California.”

This small example offers hope to communities used to going without it. It provides a path forward, showing how localized clean energy and rooftop solutions can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while replacing the energy sources harming the very communities they’re supposed to serve. In turn, these residents are further empowered by having reliable energy at predictable, affordable rates, producing significant cost savings.

Clean Energy Generates Economic and Societal Benefits

Another benefit of renewable energy is that it prevents utility company rate hikes, providing lower energy costs and a more predictable, affordable bill. As solar costs continue to fall, this will become increasingly common, even in affordable housing units.

The price of solar electricity has dropped 89% in 10 years¹⁰

It’s not hard to connect the dots between energy costs and the benefits it could bring low-income communities. Those already struggling financially are the least able to handle rising electric bills or energy bills—let alone sudden rate hikes. Sunrun is already working to help people’s pocketbooks by bringing low-income solar energy to families throughout California.

And we’re glad Sunrun isn’t alone on this front. A network of people and companies sees the power of providing better power to these communities. Companies like BlocPower in Brooklyn, New York, help businesses and low-income households upgrade heating and cooling systems, often with financial and technical assistance.

You can probably guess the result: cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy for the tenets and businesses who need it most.¹¹

This is what the future of energy can provide.

Localized networks, rather than large grids, have the potential to provide energy when it’s needed most. Programs like the greenhouse gas reduction fund can also attract private investment into sustainable projects across environmental justice communities, ensuring better support.

That’s why we’ve provided free home batteries to vulnerable people and welcome others who can help us extend the benefits of clean energy to everyone.