Empowering Solar for All — NREL's Vision for an Inclusive Energy Landscape

Unlocking the Potential of Solar Energy for Every Community

Solar energy goes beyond illuminating spaces; it holds the key to fostering equity and opportunity. From empowering renters through community solar projects to fueling workforce development and reducing utility bills, the benefits are vast. However, not all communities have had their say in the clean energy transition.

Eric Lockhart, energy justice lead at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), emphasizes the rapid growth of solar and the opportunities it presents for underserved communities. Federal incentives explicitly target disadvantaged communities, and NREL is actively contributing by developing analyses and models to support these initiatives.

Communities, tribes, and jurisdictions seeking equity and justice in the energy transition can find valuable resources on the Energy Justice in Solar Adoption webpage. Below, we highlight three NREL projects aimed at bringing solar benefits to more residents.

1. Solar Energy Innovation Network (SEIN):

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, SEIN fosters collaboration among organizations, local governments, utilities, and national laboratories to develop innovative solar adoption approaches. Round 3 findings, soon to be released, will provide blueprints for other communities, supporting the financial and social advantages of solar.

2. Tribal Solar Guidebook:

In a SETO-funded project, NREL and the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association engaged with over 600 people to address regulatory barriers facing Tribes. The resulting guidebook offers short- and long-term solutions, case studies, and topics relevant to Tribal solar adoption.

3. National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP):

NCSP, defined by the Department of Energy, promotes accessible community solar projects. It identifies five key benefits: equitable access, household savings, resilience, economic development, and workforce growth. The NCSP Building with Benefits webinar series explores these advantages.

These initiatives reflect NREL's commitment to inclusivity in the solar revolution. Stay tuned for more insights into overcoming barriers and fostering solar adoption.