Groundswell has launched several innovative programs to promote equitable community solar projects, focusing on delivering clean energy savings especially to low- and moderate-income households while fostering resilience and economic development in local communities.
Key Innovative Programs by Groundswell
1. SharePower™ Community Solar Subscription Service
- Launched in 2019, SharePower™ is a groundbreaking subscription model that connects residents who can afford to pay with low- and moderate-income neighbors who face high energy burdens.
- It operates by having market-rate households purchase community solar subscriptions and subsidize free subscriptions for income-qualified households (those earning less than 80% of the area median income).
- This model creates a mutually beneficial framework where subsidies from wealthier participants provide clean solar energy and up to $500 per year in electricity savings to disadvantaged households.
- SharePower has been nationally recognized for its innovative use of technology and community-centered approach. It currently serves over 200 subscribers in D.C. and Maryland, with 25% income-qualified beneficiaries, exemplifying energy equity in action.
2. Community Development with Clean Energy
- Groundswell goes beyond solar installation by integrating community solar with efforts to preserve affordable housing, strengthen the electrical grid, and support local economic growth.
- They emphasize people-focused and place-based development, ensuring projects reflect local community priorities such as affordability, quality of life, employment, training, and supporting local businesses.
- Projects include a range of community solar arrays, behind-the-meter solar for community organizations, and large-scale solar for community-run utilities, all designed to build long-term local relationships and resilience.
3. Building Resilience Hubs
- Groundswell deploys resilience hubs powered by solar and energy efficiency to provide critical services during outages or emergencies, particularly in underserved communities.
- These hubs increase local resilience while delivering clean energy savings and supporting community cohesion.
4. Leveraging Data and Technology to Scale Impact
- Groundswell uses advanced data platforms to connect residents with solar projects, track energy savings, and optimize community benefits, ensuring measurable and sustainable outcomes at scale.
- Their approach supports expansion plans aiming to deliver $15 million annual savings to 30,000 families and extend resilience hubs across 11 states in the coming years.
In summary, Groundswell’s innovative programs like SharePower™, combined with their holistic community development approach and resilience hub deployments, pioneer equitable access to clean energy. They effectively reduce energy burdens for vulnerable populations, promote local economic development, and strengthen community resilience through scalable, place-based solar initiatives.
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