Community-based organizations (CBOs) play a crucial role in promoting solar energy by leveraging community solar programs and providing access to renewable energy benefits for all members of a community. Here are some ways CBOs contribute to solar energy promotion:
Promoting Access and Equity
- Equal Access: CBOs help ensure that everyone in the community, including renters and low-to-moderate income households, can benefit from solar energy. This is achieved through community solar models where multiple subscribers share a single solar facility and receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced.
- Economic Benefits: By facilitating access to solar energy, CBOs help households and businesses save on electricity bills, which can be particularly beneficial for those who are most impacted by energy costs.
Technical Assistance and Partnerships
- Technical Support: Organizations like the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) offer technical assistance, which helps CBOs navigate the complexities of solar energy implementation, including developing solar projects and acquiring necessary capital.
- Collaboration: CBOs often collaborate with government agencies, research institutions, and other stakeholders. For example, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provides targeted assistance through programs like Innovation at SCALE, helping communities overcome barriers to solar adoption.
Community-Led Initiatives
- Community Engagement: CBOs engage local communities in the decision-making process, ensuring that solar initiatives are tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the community. This can lead to community-led economic development and the creation of local solar workforce opportunities.
- Policy Advocacy: By advocating for supportive policies, CBOs can help create an environment that fosters the growth of community solar projects and ensures long-term sustainability of these initiatives.
Building Resilience and Sustainability
- Energy Reliability and Resilience: By promoting distributed solar energy, CBOs contribute to building stronger and more resilient local energy systems, which can provide backup power during outages and enhance overall energy security.
- Sustainability: Community solar projects supported by CBOs help reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable energy future for the community.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-role-do-community-based-organizations-play-in-promoting-solar-energy/
