San Francisco, CA, March 1, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) selected three nonprofits to receive financial and analytical support for expanding solar adoption among Black, Indigenous, and people of color-led houses of worship nationwide.
The partnership includes RE-volv, Green The Church, and Interfaith Power & Light, chosen through competitive selection as part of the Solar Energy Innovation Network's third round.
"We selected these organizations because they experiment with creative, promising ideas to use solar power in underserved communities," said Eric Lockhart, NREL Innovation Network director.
The initiative addresses significant barriers facing nonprofits and houses of worship. These organizations cannot access federal investment tax credits for solar installations and face difficulties demonstrating creditworthiness to traditional solar financiers. The partnership will identify suitable locations, present proposals, arrange financing, and engage communities while enabling congregants to install residential solar systems.
"There are large racial and ethnic disparities around where solar installations occur in America," said Andreas Karelas, RE-volv's Executive Director. The partnership aims to reduce electricity costs for BIPOC-led houses of worship, allowing them to reinvest savings into community services.
"We remain committed to community-driven solar projects that remain accountable to affected communities," said Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll of Green The Church.
"Solar energy is a tool to advance the greater good and support vulnerable community members," said Bishop Jackson of Grace Tabernacle.
Over 18 months, the three partners will collaborate with seven additional SEIN teams to establish a blueprint for equitable solar deployment nationwide.