Energy equity

Community solar expands access to clean energy, new study shows

Peer-reviewed research finds that community solar makes cheap renewable power available to more people, including those who live in rentals and multifamily buildings.

By Alison F. Takemura . 1 July 2024

Rows of solar panels stand in grass at a community solar garden. — A community solar array harvests the sun at Jack’s Solar Garden in Longmont, Colorado. (Alison F. Takemura)

Carbon-free buildings

These New York City apartments are affordable — and sustainable

Ultra-efficient high-rises and net-zero neighborhoods now in development could offer a blueprint for cities grappling with rising carbon emissions and dwindling affordable housing.

By Maria Gallucci . 9 February 2023
Guest essay

We need to get fossil gas out of homes, for the climate and our health

Dr. Gaurab Basu electrified his home with incredible results. He believes that with the right policies in place, everyone can do it.

By Gaurab Basu . 9 February 2023
Video

Video: NYC residents have cleaner air after ditching gas stoves

A pilot study at a public-housing complex in the Bronx found that air quality drastically improved in apartments that switched to electric induction stoves.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 February 2023
Electrification

Rebates for home energy upgrades are coming soon. Here’s how to plan

A home-energy expert offers 5 to-dos for households eager to ditch their fossil-fuel appliances with help from the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act.

By Maria Gallucci . 7 February 2023
Solar

Community-solar industry shoots for 30GW by 2030

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and solar-power momentum in states, community-solar installations have potential to soar in the U.S., coalition says.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 January 2023
Solar

How to get solar to low-income families? Rhode Island has a new plan

Solar companies will partner with the state government to install and lease solar arrays with the aim of saving money for homeowners from the start.

By Lisa Prevost . 16 January 2023
Energy equity

Pilot project brings rooftop solar to low-income households in Ohio

The initiative in Cleveland aims to find out how much money people can save with solar panels and bring solar to communities that haven’t previously had access.

By Kathiann Kowalski . 4 January 2023
Solar

These California programs steer solar+batteries to low-income households

California's new solar policy leaves low-income families behind. Community energy providers, nonprofits and vendors have come up with some creative workarounds.

By Jeff St. John . 21 December 2022
Solar

How will low-income Californians access home solar and batteries?

Pending changes to net metering could put solar and batteries further out of reach for low-income households, renters, schools and churches, advocates warn.

By Jeff St. John . 14 December 2022
Solar

Biden admin seeks $3B to fund rooftop solar+batteries in Puerto Rico

Geared toward low-income households, the federal funding could help avert future blackouts, but some question whether they'll ever see the money.

By Brett Marsh . 7 December 2022