Solar Power For All program helps LMI communities lower their energy costs
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, New Orleans sought to rebuild; they endeavored to make their homes more efficient, affordable and more resistant to future storm destruction. PosiGen Solar saw the disparity of support and relief programs for low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities and found an opportunity to change the equation by partnering with Greater New Orleans Housing Association and Solar Alternatives to implement solar power for all. Its mission is to make solar affordable and accessible to everyone, particularly (LMI) communities and communities of color. They offer clean energy solutions to 100% of solar feasible homes and small business owners through city and community supported outreach and education.
Through the Solar Power for All program, they are making it possible for families in underserved Louisana communities to invest in their homes, save money on their utility bills, and take steps toward a brighter future with rooftop solar energy, home battery backup systems, and energy efficiency upgrades. The four primary goals of PosiGen’s solar program is to make an impact on the families they serve, provide job opportunities in the communities in which they are active, support growth in low income communities and communities of color, and to have a positive impact on the environment.
With the savings, I’ll be able to put some money aside for my grandson, fix up my house, we might be able to go take a trip somewhere. To put aside that kind of money for him, I think that would be beautiful.”
PROJECT TYPE: Aggregated Rooftop Solar
LOCATION: Louisiana
RELATED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS):
This project contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:
SDG 7 – Accessible and Clean Energy: The rooftop solar project supports SDG 7 by lowering participants’ electricity bills or giving future electricity credits from the clean power they produce.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: The project serves SDG 13, by promoting power generation from solar energy and contributing to GHG emissions reductions.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by countries in global partnership to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Co-benefits
• To date, PosiGen has installed solar for ~14,600+ customers.
• The project has generated nearly 64M KWh in solar production. Each kilowatt-hour of solar that is generated will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• The project has prevented 80k metric tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, which is the equivalent of 89M lbs of coal.
In total, PosiGen customers have a net $7.5M in monthly cost savings due to the unique business model of low-cost rooftop solar panel leasing combined with energy-efficiency upgrades, such as blower door tests, and smart thermostat installations.
The Solar Power For All program extends the benefits of renewable energy to LMI communities by making solar accessible to everyone, regardless of credit score or income, as 9,000 customers have FICO scores below 700 and 7,000 customers make less than $50,000 per year.
Project photos
Photos courtesy of PosiGen
