Why It’s So Important for Communities to Go Solar

In 2016, solar energy was the largest source of new generating capacity in the United States. With more than one million solar projects now operating across the country, the U.S. has over 35 gigawatts of total solar installed capacity – enough to power the equivalent of 6.5 million average American homes. The solar industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Solar energy is still inaccessible to nearly half of American households.

Despite this rapid growth, solar energy remains inaccessible to nearly half of American households and businesses, as well as many local governments and nonprofits. One reason for this is because nearly half of all rooftops cannot host solar due to insufficient roof space, lack of control over the roof (renters, condos), or shading. Another reason is that while the federal Investment Tax Credit has grown the solar market, it excludes individuals and organizations with no federal tax liability, such as cities, nonprofits, low income individuals, and retirees. And yet another reason is because low income populations face even greater challenges, often due to poor roof conditions, lower than average credit scores, and lack of access to affordable financing.

Despite all these reasons some people can’t go solar, these communities stand to benefit the most from going solar – from stabilizing their energy costs to reducing air pollution. Because of this, let’s look at some ways solar can help benefit communities more than you ever thought possible.

Going solar will save the city money.

Local governments, which own approximately 10 percent of commercial buildings (schools, office buildings, public assembly buildings, etc.), spend approximately $14.7 billion on electricity – 12 percent of total commercial building expenditures (EIA data). Solar energy can cut cities’ monthly electricity bills and make funds available for other priorities.

Going solar will drive up the job market.

The solar industry is a proven driver of job growth. As deployment has soared, so have solar jobs – there are nearly 209,000 solar workers in the U.S. today, with more than half of them in installation jobs that can’t be outsourced. Further, these workers are paid competitive wages, with installers making a median wage of $21 per hour.

Going solar will help low income households.

Low income households pay a large portion of their income towards electricity bills. An analysis by Groundswell found that the lowest income households spent nearly 10 percent of their income, over four times more than the average consumer. Access to low cost solar can provide price stability and bill relief to low and moderate income households.

Going solar will help protect a city from natural disasters.

Cities around the country are facing increased threats from natural disasters and are taking steps to plan for them. During extreme weather events, solar energy can help prevent outages, provide energy for critical facilities, and aid in recovery efforts. Solar can also provide energy to remote areas.

Going solar helps the environment.

Using solar power instead of conventional forms of energy reduces the amount of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and other pollutants that are emitted into the environment. Reducing the amount of pollution translates into cleaner air, reduced water consumption, and improved health.

Want to learn more of the amazing benefits of going solar and how you can become part of the solar initiative, even if you are low-income or don’t own your home? Check out the HahaSmart blog for tons of information, tips, and tricks on how to bring solar into your life no matter what your situation is.

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