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"A society built on green design, sustainable energy and closed loop systems, a civilization afloat on a cloud of efficient, non-toxic, recyclable technology." ~~Alex Nikolai Steffan

9.25.2014

Using Solar Energy to Generate Wealth in Lower Income Communities.




Yes, this actually was the topic of the September 23rd, GW Solar Institute's 6th Annual Solar Symposium at George Washington University.

This was the first national conference to bring together stakeholders and decision-makers from all over the country to share and develop the emerging solutions needed to achieve solar affordability and accessibility for all Americans. 

Panels and presentations focused on the best ways to broaden the solar market through creative incentive and financing solutions, elimination of legal and regulatory barriers, and integration of solar investments with existing federal low-income programs.

Details of speakers and conference sponsors here:

Key points from a recent white paper for Washington D.C. on this topic include: 
+ While solar energy has become increasingly affordable and residential solar installations are booming, most panel installations occur in higher income neighborhoods.
+ Multiple market barriers inude renting, living in a multi-family building, lower credit scores, or having utility bills covered through government support programs.
+ The District’s enactment of the Community Renewables Energy Act 2013, creates new opportunities for solar developers and community leaders to improve energy affordability and accessibility.
+ Innovative solar programs spurred by similar reforms in other states, like California’s Single-family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) program, have enabled families to reduce their monthly electricity bills by an average of around 80%, savings that will continue for the life of these solar systems (at least 25 years or more).

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"Catch a man a fish and you can sell it to him. Teach a man to fish and you ruin a wonderful business opportunity." ~ Marx

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