Solutions for Overcoming Barriers to Solar Adoption in Communities of Concern

August 3, 2021

min

Karinna Gonzalez

Image of a happy family in front of an ongoing solar installation at their home

As California, America’s leading solar state, continues to evaluate its future solar agreement (net energy metering), it is important to acknowledge the current gaps in adoption of clean energy technologies. Although rooftop solar has become increasingly accessible to low-and-moderate income households in recent years due to a decrease in solar prices, increased financing options and an attractive current solar agreement known as net energy metering 2.0, there are still a number of barriers to adoption. The state has said that California needs to triple the amount of rooftop solar in order to meet our climate goals and that will not happen if we don’t include solutions for our communities of concern.

1. Overcoming the barrier of homeownership through on-bill financing, community solar and incentives for multifamily solar

The primary barrier to the adoption of solar is home ownership and in order to overcome this barrier, we need to be creative and rethink the traditional financing structures for solar. Thankfully, other states have already addressed this barrier successfully and have developed innovative financing structures that allow renters to receive the benefits of solar. The first strategy is on-bill solar financing which ties re-payment for solar and energy efficiency upgrades to the meter, rather than an individual. Hawaii has successfully created the Green Money $aver program (GEM$), which is the first on-bill financing program that requires no upfront cost or credit check which are two other large barriers to adoption. Renters will enjoy an estimated 10 percent reduction on their utility bill at no upfront cost to the tenant or property owner and the credit can be transferred to the next renter. Another innovative way to overcome the barrier of homeownership is community solar, where renters can subscribe to a portion of a community solar project which will then credit against their utility bill, saving them money and letting them get their energy from clean sources. While California has excelled as the nation's number one solar state, we have fallen behind in our ability to enact legislation that supports community solar projects. Finally, the market for multifamily solar, which makes up about 30 percent of California’s housing market, cannot be ignored. Previous statewide incentive programs played a huge role in rapidly accelerating adoption for single family homes but the adoption for multifamily hasn’t had as much success. The Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (“SOMAH”) program is addressing this barrier by providing incentives for multifamily affordable housing that can cover the entire cost of the system. The program is funded through state cap-and-trade funds and has a billion dollar budget over the next 10 years.

2. Addressing cost barriers through upfront incentive payments

Another large barrier is high upfront costs for rooftop solar for cash purchases or for portions of state rebates and the 26 percent federal tax credit. California has put billions of dollars behind incentive programs that offer rebates for going solar, however rebates are usually distributed once the system has been installed and interconnected and usually after a lengthy application process, leaving homeowners and property owners to pay the costs for installation and permitting before they ever see a rebate check. Offering upfront payments for incentive programs can eliminate this barrier altogether. Since incentive programs for single family homeowners are beginning to sunset, it's important to also consider no upfront cost financing to address this barrier moving forward, especially for the multifamily sector. Jurisdictions could offer bridge financing programs to address this barrier, which some philanthropists and foundations are currently working to address on a smaller level.

3. Mending relationships and lack of trust in communities of concern through partnerships with community based organizations

While many solar companies have good intentions, the solar industry has created a barrier because of the lack of trust they have created in communities of concern, which has been plagued by misinformation about solar programs and issues with some less than reputable contractors. Those few bad apples have given the industry a black eye and it’s hurting solar adoption in communities that could benefit from solar the most. It is extremely important that the solar and storage industry, along with program administrators, begin to repair the relationship with communities of concern by partnering with trusted community voices who can provide reliable information to community members in ways that are culturally appropriate and in native languages. The states’ Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing program has done a good job recognizing this barrier and contracts with local and statewide community-based organizations to conduct education and outreach to property owners and tenants to provide information about the program and overall benefits of clean energy. Partnering with trusted community partners, in addition to offering solar marketing materials, proposals and contracts in various languages, is a starting point to start building trust.

4. Protecting existing solar customers from evolving solar policies

Finally, expanding access to rooftop solar will not happen when statewide legislation and changing statewide solar policies continue to threaten the investment that people have made or are considering making. Fighting for strong policies for new solar customers and ensuring that solar continues to grow is one fight, but when policies threaten the contracts that people have signed and been promised, it creates a distrust in the government and cities who have pushed for people to go solar and solar companies who promised customers their contracts would last for 20 years. The investor-owned utilities are getting bolder in their attempts to kill rooftop solar, weaponizing communities of concern in their attempts to kill rooftop solar, forcing utility-scale solar to be a main solution to meeting 100 percent clean energy targets, which would increase rates for all ratepayers.

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Overcoming the barriers to solar adoption won’t be easy, but they are necessary in order to ensure that we are meeting local climate action plans and statewide climate goals. Hammond Climate Solutions along with partners at Protect Our Communities Foundation, Brevian Energy and the San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition, recently submitted a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Grant with a proposal for a program that will expand solar in communities of concern using tactics highlighted earlier in this blog. Communities of concern have long been left out of the clean energy transition and its time to invest resources to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies for communities who suffer disportionately from the effects of climate injustices and the climate crisis and are also paying a disproportionate amount of income towards skyrocketing energy bills. Learn more about the current attacks on solar and how you can help defend rooftop solar and expand equitable access to all ratepayers.

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Community Members and Elected Officials Celebrate Clean Energy Resilience Project at Boys & Girls Clubs of South County's Imperial Beach Club

Foundation

June 18, 2026

min

Community Members and Elected Officials Celebrate Clean Energy Resilience Project at Boys & Girls Clubs of South County's Imperial Beach Club

The new clean energy system will generate nearly half a million dollars in savings, strengthen emergency preparedness and support healthier futures for local youth and families.

Community leaders, elected officials, youth, labor partners, funders and local residents gathered Wednesday at the Boys & Girls Clubs of South County's Imperial Beach Club to celebrate the completion of a clean energy resilience project designed to strengthen community preparedness, reduce operating costs and create a healthier future for Imperial Beach families.

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The project, a 25.5-kilowatt solar energy system paired with a 54-kilowatt-hour battery storage system, was installed by Aloha Solar Power, an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569 union contractor, and made possible through a collaborative effort led by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation and its partners. The system will help the Club continue serving youth and families during emergencies and power outages while strengthening community resilience and preparedness. The Club is expected to save approximately $12,000 in utility bills in its first year and more than $465,000 over the next 30 years, creating long-term financial benefits that will be reinvested into youth programs and services.

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"For many families, the Boys & Girls Club is much more than an after-school program — it's a safe and trusted space where young people learn, grow and build community," said Stephanie James, chief executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South County. "This investment strengthens our ability to support the children and families who rely on us every day while helping us prepare for whatever challenges the future may bring."

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While Imperial Beach continues to face environmental challenges that have drawn regional, statewide and national attention, the event highlighted a different story — one of investment, partnership, dedication, community resilience and hope for a healthier future. Project partners celebrated a transformative investment that will create healthier environments, expand educational opportunities and strengthen long-term resilience for local youth and families.

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"Today's ribbon cutting is about more than clean energy. It is about ensuring that this club can continue serving young people and families when they need it most," said Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, who represents District 1 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and previously served as mayor of Imperial Beach. "It also represents a commitment to environmental justice. Communities that have experienced the greatest environmental impacts should be among the first to benefit from clean energy investments and modern infrastructure, but we know that that is not always the case."

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The project also creates opportunities for hands-on learning and workforce development, helping introduce young people to clean energy technologies and potential career pathways in sustainability and the skilled trades. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Club youth participated in a hands-on solar oven demonstration led by Jim La Joie, inventor of the All Season Solar Cooker and founder of SolCook. The demonstration introduced youth to solar energy principles, solar cooking, and career opportunities in clean energy and sustainability.

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While the ribbon-cutting marked the completion of the solar and battery project, partners emphasized that it also serves as a foundation for future investments in health, education and resilience that will benefit youth and families in Imperial Beach and beyond.

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"While the ribbon-cutting marks the completion of an important project, the opportunities created by this investment extend far beyond today's celebration," said Tara Hammond, founder and executive director of Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. "Through our Holistic Healthy Communities Pilot Program at the Club, we look forward to building on this foundation by advancing healthier indoor and outdoor environments, expanding climate education opportunities and helping create an even stronger, healthier and more resilient future for the youth and families served here."

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of South County's clean energy resilience project was made possible through a collaborative effort involving Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation, BQuest Foundation, Aloha Solar Power, IBEW Local 569, San Diego Community Power in partnership with the San Diego Foundation and Calpine Community Energy, along with philanthropic partners, donors and community members committed to advancing equitable climate solutions in the South Bay.

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Oceanside Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program Continues to Deliver Climate and Community Benefits

Foundation

May 13, 2026

min

Oceanside Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program Continues to Deliver Climate and Community Benefits

The Oceanside Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program is delivering measurable progress by advancing clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in community-serving organizations across the city.

‍Oceanside, CA — The Oceanside Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program is delivering measurable progress by advancing clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in community-serving organizations across the city.

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Launched in September 2025, the current phase of the program is already nearing completion on multiple projects just six months in. Funded by Preserve Calavera in partnership with the San Diego Foundation and managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation, the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen local climate action, build community resilience and advance equitable climate solutions. Funded projects include solar and battery installations for nonprofit facilities and low-income households, along with expanded food recovery efforts that reduce waste and emissions while increasing access to fresh, healthy food.

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At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego’s Oceanside Clubhouse, critical pre-installation improvements have been completed, preparing the site for a solar and storage system that will reduce long-term electricity use and allow the organization to reinvest savings into youth programs. Investments in youth-serving organizations are also creating long-term community benefits and supporting local union jobs. “This gift is about so much more than solar panels. It’s an investment in our community, our future, and the young people who walk through our doors every day. By reducing our energy costs, we can direct more resources where they have the greatest impact supporting youth,” said Marineke Vandervort, CEO.

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Similarly, the North County Alano Club has begun installation of a solar and battery system that will significantly lower operating costs and emissions.

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“Since the 1960s, the North County Alano Club has been helping alcoholics and other addicts recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body — serving an average 4,000 people each month in 2025,” said Dan McSwain, a representative from the organization. “We rely 100% on donations, usually $1 at a time, and operate on a very tight budget. The result of this grant is reducing our overall expenses by 25 percent, allowing us to not only survive but thrive for decades to come.”

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In addition to clean energy projects, the program is advancing climate and food equity through ProduceGood’s CropCircle Collective initiative, which has already recovered nearly 3,000 pounds of produce and is scaling operations across Oceanside.

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“ProduceGood is focused on climate and social equity. Through the generous support of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program, the organization will increase food recovery by 100% in Oceanside while increasing access to fresh produce for hundreds of families.”

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The program also expanded access to clean energy for low-income households. A few lucky families were able to have no-cost solar and battery systems installed in Oceanside’s Communities of Concern. These installations are expected to deliver more than 24 metric tons of annual greenhouse gas reductions while lowering energy bills and providing backup power during outages.

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“Through the Oceanside Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program, this funding enables the delivery of no-cost solar plus battery systems to Oceanside households, directly reducing local emissions while strengthening community resilience,” said Ben Airth, Policy Director at Freedom Forever. “By keeping climate dollars in the community, the program helps lower electric bills and ensures families can maintain power when the grid is stressed. We are honored to work alongside Preserve Calavera and Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation to make these projects possible and hope this success paves the way for similar climate investments in other cities.”

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These projects demonstrate how targeted, community-based climate investments can reduce emissions, lower costs, lessen stress on California’s aging electrical grid, offer energy resilience and deliver meaningful benefits to the community.

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Additional announcements are expected as projects reach completion and further impacts are realized.

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2025 Solar Moonshot Program Wrapped

Programs

January 28, 2026

min

2025 Solar Moonshot Program Wrapped

In 2025, the Solar Moonshot Program took a major step forward, expanding our reach, deepening our impact and providing real savings to nonprofits across the country and internationally.

The Solar Moonshot Program helps schools, nonprofits, tribal organizations and community organizations overcome financial and technical barriers to solar adoption, delivering long-term savings and climate benefits where they matter most.

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In 2025, the Solar Moonshot Program took a major step forward, expanding our reach, deepening our impact and providing real savings to nonprofits across the country and internationally. In 2024, the Solar Moonshot Program supported 26 projects and deployed $x. In 2025, the program supported 63 projects, representing a 142% increase year-over-year, and deployed $x. We also surpassed our 200th grantee and over $4,00,000 in solar grants issued since the program's inception in 2020.

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2025 Solar Moonshot Program grantees were located in 16 states, reaching a wide range of communities across the United States, as well as three international projects in Mexico, the Philippines and Africa. Our grantees included school districts, libraries, tribal facilities, food pantries, medical facilities, homes for children and other nonprofit service providers providing vital services for Communities of Concern, organizations that often operate on tight margins but play an outsized role in community well being. Together, these investments unlocked around $600,000 in estimated savings directly to nonprofits, which translate into more predictable operating costs, protection from rising utility rates, and the ability to redirect resources toward mission-critical services like education, healthcare, cultural programming and community resilience. Each project contributes to reducing carbon emissions, supporting local clean energy jobs, progressing local, state and national climate goals, helping organizations invest in staff and programs and provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about clean energy and lessening climate injustices. These clean energy projects are also reducing climate injustices, supporting regional grid stability and offering crucial back-up power during emergencies.

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The drastic jump in the amount of projects we were able to support signals the demand for clean energy solutions, which will only increase as federal tax credits will begin to diminish in 2026. We remain committed to processing applications as quickly as possible to help our grantees maximize available funding to make their solar dreams possible.

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"Our new solar system will help reduce operating costs for the Clinton Community Hall for decades into the future. We couldn’t have moved forward without the support of the Solar Moonshot Program. In addition to the generous financial support, their program is super accessible and the folks we worked with were so helpful throughout the process. Just such an amazing resource for smaller non-profit facilities like ours that might not otherwise be able to get solar installed.”

Clinton Community Hall, Washington

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“Funding through the Solar Moonshot Program provided support for our solar array on our new building. With this boost in funding, we were able to invest more deeply in mission-related aspects of our new space, including managing stormwater on site and planting native species, as well as developing educational exhibits and displays that communicate the importance of our work to protect the Newfound Watershed.”

Newfound Lake Region Association, New Hampshire

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We are grateful to the program’s generous funders who make this impactful program possible, including our 2025 supporters: BQuest Foundation, San Diego Community Power in partnership with the San Diego Foundation and Calpine Energy, anonymous donors in California and Wisconsin and Palomar.

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To learn more about the program or to apply for a 2026 grant, visit www.solarmoonshot.org.

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