Lars Gloessner’s Post

Sunshine for everyone! Solar panels are great for the environment, but putting them on your roof isn't an option for everyone. That's where community solar comes in. It's a way for people who rent or can't afford rooftop panels to still benefit from solar energy. 👨👨👦👦 This new study shows community solar is working! People who use community solar are more likely to live in apartments, rent their homes, and have lower incomes compared to those who have solar panels on their own roofs. 🌁 However, there's still a gap. The study didn't find a big difference in the number of minorities using community solar. This might be because some people are wary of being tricked by solar companies. 🃏 Luckily, there are solutions. Programs that help low-income families and clear information from the government can make community solar more appealing and trustworthy. Overall, community solar is a big step towards making clean energy accessible to everyone. 🤝 Follow for more climate justice news!: https://buff.ly/3LcDh0S #socialimpact #equity #equityandinclusion #justice #action #localizedclimateaction #energytransition #renewableenergy #solarenergy #climatechange #technology #innovation

Installing #solar on factory and warehouse rooftops could help to close the “solar equity gap” in almost two-thirds of disadvantaged communities, finds a new study in Nature Portfolio. "Residential solar isn’t usually practical for people who don’t own their homes,” says Ram Rajagopal of Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. “Commercial and industrial properties have the capacity to host solar resources to fill in part of that gap.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g9-yA7WE

🌞 Exciting News for New York's Clean Energy Future! 🌞 In 2019, New York set a bold vision with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), aiming for 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2040. However, recent challenges in utility-scale projects have created a gap in meeting these targets. On the brighter side, New York's distributed solar sector has surged ahead, positioning itself to play a pivotal role in closing this gap. The latest report from NYSEIA advocates for raising New York's distributed solar goal from 10 to 20 gigawatts by 2035 (20X35). This ambitious yet achievable goal builds on New York's success in deploying nearly 5.7 gigawatts of distributed solar to date, including a substantial growth in 2023 alone. The benefits of distributed solar are substantial: estimated $50 billion in utility bill savings, $3.6 billion in direct financial benefits to communities, 15,000 new jobs, and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, expanding distributed solar aligns with New York's commitment to environmental justice and community empowerment. To realize the 20X35 vision, strategic policy interventions are crucial. Recommendations include streamlining permitting processes, improving interconnection timelines, and enhancing financial incentives for community-scale projects. These reforms not only accelerate solar deployment but also ensure equitable access and economic prosperity across the state. New York's distributed solar programs are proven success stories, consistently outpacing expectations. Now is the time to leverage this momentum and push towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Let's support initiatives that strengthen our communities, protect our environment, and propel New York to the forefront of sustainable innovation. Together, we can achieve 20 gigawatts of distributed solar by 2035 and pave the way for a brighter, greener future for all New Yorkers. 🌍☀️ #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #Sustainability #NewYork #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #NYSEIA

🌞 Solar Savings Within Reach 🌞 Did you know solar panels could slash your energy bill by $1,500 annually? Yet, the hefty $15,000 to $27,000 starting cost hinders many, particularly low-income families. Cleveland's #GrowthOpps, a company set to eliminate these costs through clever use of tax breaks and grants. Their initiative, backed by a $156 million EPA grant, will outfit solar panels in low-income areas across eight states, empowering communities and fostering sustainability without the setup expense. In places like Maple Heights with a 22% poverty rate, the impact could be life-changing. Celebrate this innovative stride towards a sustainable future. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #Innovation Let's champion such ingenuity and encourage more companies to drive change like Growth Opportunity Partners, Inc. Way to go Growth Opps!

Rural communities are projected to play a pivotal role in the clean energy revolution, but unlocking their full potential will take time, collaboration, and funding. But following last year's Rural Renaissance Roadshow, communities are energized to take advantage of federal and private investments. The goal is to improve electric utility services in rural communities while promoting better energy delivery through solar projects, land use strategies, and emerging technologies. #SolarEnergy #RuralDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #RuralDevelopment

Listening to Utopia Hill, Chief Executive of Reactivate, was incredibly thought-provoking. Her vision for developing renewable energy projects for low to moderate-income communities in the US resonated deeply with us. Utopia’s insights on inclusive solutions in renewable energy highlight a crucial aspect often overlooked in the industry: equity. Reactivate's approach to ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy reach underserved populations is both innovative and inspiring. It made us reflect on how we can balance social impact with profitability, embodying the principles of impact capitalism. The idea of equitable access to renewable energy is a powerful one. Utopia discussed how many households, especially renters and those in multi-family housing, are often excluded from traditional residential solar solutions. Reactivate’s focus on community solar and small utility-scale projects is a reminder that the energy transition must be inclusive to be truly effective. This approach is something we can all learn from and strive to incorporate into our own projects. Utopia also emphasized the intersection of environmental justice and economic growth. Her perspective on involving low to moderate-income communities in the renewable energy transition is both a moral and strategic imperative. This has made us think about how we can drive local economic growth and job creation while providing clean energy solutions. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #SocialImpact #EnergyTransition #Renewables #CleanEnergy #CommunitySolar #WorkforceDevelopment #InclusiveSolutions #Runh

As the world grapples with the urgent need for #Sustainable energy solutions, #SolarProjects aren't just about generating power— they're key to empowering communities and advancing social equity. Real estate can become a sustainable resource for the benefit of the community. Dive deeper into the challenges and triumphs that shaped this #CommunitySolar project from Inside Climate News: https://bit.ly/3X9Czsc #RenewableEnergy #energyefficiency #CatalyzeEnergy #CatalyzeRenewables #distributedenergy

☀️ Powering Change and Communities This Giving Tuesday At Pfister Energy, we believe solar energy isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about equity, resilience, and giving back. This Giving Tuesday, we’re inspired by the ways solar power can uplift communities, especially those that need it most. Through initiatives like community solar, we’re helping bring clean energy to low- and medium-income households, making renewable energy more accessible and impactful. By reducing energy costs and empowering underserved areas, we’re building a brighter future for everyone. 💡 Here’s how you can make an impact: 1️⃣ Support organizations expanding community solar projects to underserved neighborhoods. 2️⃣ Advocate for policies that prioritize renewable energy access for low- and medium-income families. 3️⃣ Explore how your business can partner with solar developers to give back to communities in need. Every solar panel installed, and every project completed gets us closer to a cleaner, brighter, and more equitable world. Together, we can power change that benefits us all. For more on how Pfister Energy and community solar are making an impact: https://lnkd.in/dTzw7y8y #GivingTuesday #SolarEnergy #PfisterEnergy #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy

What truly sets us apart at Community Solar Developments is our commitment to energy equity. Illinois’ *Solar for All* program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide low- and moderate-income households with access to affordable, renewable energy. By eliminating upfront costs and the need for rooftop installations, this program empowers underserved communities, allowing them to save on utility bills while participating in the clean energy revolution. According to the **Illinois Solar for All** report, over **300,000** households are expected to benefit from these initiatives by 2030. At our company, we believe that clean energy should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few. We are proud to play a role in dismantling barriers and ensuring that the benefits of solar power reach those who need it most. Together, we’re driving meaningful change and fostering a more equitable energy landscape in Illinois. Join us on this journey toward a sustainable future for all! #CommunitySolar #CleanEnergy #IllinoisSolarForAll #EnergyEquity #Sustainability #AffordableEnergy #EmpowerCommunities

KLRN Spotlights Big Sun Solar's Texas Solar Project! 📹☀️ Tune in to KLRN’s Terra Verde to learn how Big Sun Solar, in partnership with the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability is powering Texas' largest municipal solar project. By installing solar panels on 42 city-owned facilities, we're driving sustainable change and securing a brighter future for San Antonio. ▶️ Check out the video here: https://lnkd.in/gafQaWtu #solarpower #sustainability #cleanenergy #sanantonio #klrn #terraverde #bigsunsolar