Power for all: Why Washington needs community solar to advance equity and justice | Opinion

Through the Community Solar Washington Coalition’s work with some of the largest housing authorities in Washington state, we witness firsthand the challenges faced by the communities we serve. Families living in affordable housing often struggle to afford essential services like electricity, paying a much larger portion of their income on energy expenses than their higher-income neighbors.

A clear solution to address these intertwined issues is a comprehensive community solar program. It’s time for Washington to pass legislation that not only enables such a program but ensures it advances equity and environmental justice, while delivering broad economic benefits and works with locals to put their smaller plots of land to good use.

For too long, rooftop solar, while growing rapidly, has remained inaccessible to those who don’t own a home, can’t afford upfront costs, or live in areas where rooftop solar isn’t feasible.

This is where community solar makes a difference. Community solar allows residents to subscribe to a portion of a local solar project and receive credits on their electricity bills. This model allows renters, low-income households, and multifamily housing residents to participate in clean energy without needing solar panels on their own roofs.

Yet, in Washington, community solar hasn’t reached its full potential. Current programs are small and restrictive. We need legislation to create a comprehensive, statewide community solar program that can serve more people, especially those who have been left behind in the clean energy transition.

Additionally, local landowners benefit from community solar leases - unlike megaprojects being proposed by our state’s utilities. Instead of being pushed by the state to site large projects, community solar projects are voluntary and can be opted into or out of by landowners.

A strong community solar program can change this by prioritizing access for underserved communities. This would be a major step toward correcting historic inequities and ensuring clean energy is truly for everyone.

Community solar projects can be located in or near these communities, providing local jobs, reducing pollution, and stabilizing electricity costs. Combined with financial assistance for low-income participants, these projects can reduce energy burdens and empower communities to control their energy future.

Reducing energy costs and promoting economic equity

One of the most compelling reasons to support community solar is its ability to reduce energy costs for households that need relief the most. In Washington, about 1 in 8 households struggles with energy insecurity, which makes paying for basic services like electricity a challenge. Community solar can help ease that burden.

By allowing participants to subscribe to a portion of a solar project and receive bill credits, families can save on their electricity costs. These savings are particularly impactful for those in affordable housing, where even small reductions in monthly bills make a big difference.

Additionally, community solar stimulates local economies by creating well-paying jobs in solar development, construction, and maintenance — jobs that are often accessible without advanced degrees. This boosts local economies and helps drive the state’s clean energy goals.

Washington has been a leader in the fight against climate change, and a strong community solar program would further that leadership. Solar energy is one of the most effective tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and community solar offers a scalable way to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

A comprehensive community solar program would complement Washington’s climate goals by providing a local, renewable energy source that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. By enabling more people to participate in the clean energy economy, Washington can meet its climate targets more equitably and effectively.

Why now?

Washington has ambitious clean energy goals, but we can’t meet them unless everyone is included. A community solar program will allow thousands of Washingtonians the opportunity to benefit from renewable energy.

Passing legislation to enable a comprehensive community solar program will address energy inequities and build a stronger, more resilient economy. As a broad coalition that includes both Habitat for Humanity and Seattle Housing Authority, we are committed to this vision.

Let’s make community solar a reality for all Washingtonians and create a cleaner, more equitable future for everyone.

This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Power for all: Why Washington needs community solar to advance equity and justice | Opinion."