Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a non-profit service contract with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to implement a Low to Moderate Income (LMI) Solar Co-Op program.
Solar United Neighbors is a 503(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building a clean, equitable energy system with rooftop solar as the cornerstone. SUN utilizes solar co-ops (a bulk-purchasing model) to provide discounted solar rates that help people go solar, jump-start and grow local clean energy markets, bring new constituencies into the movement, and build support for inclusive clean energy policies. SUN also works closely with community partners to ensure that the economic and social benefits of renewable energy development are invested into the local communities they serve.
SUNS’s Ohio program, which began in 2016, has launched 38 co-ops to help migrate 611 people to solar, and in the process saving them an estimated $16.8 million in energy bill savings over their panels’ lifespans, while supporting 91 local jobs, and offsetting 172.7 million pounds of carbon emissions. These co-ops included a total of 3 co-ops in Columbus, through which SUN was able to take 67 people solar, facilitating the installations of 532 kW of solar capacity, saving people an estimated $1 million over their panels’ lifespans, and investing $1.3 million into the local economy. With over 67 solar installations facilitated and 518 participants in the solar info sessions throughout the Columbus Area Solar Co-ops since 2020, SUN has identified an emerging pattern of underserved communities. These are diverse communities that unfortunately have limited means to achieve any degree of energy independence. This can lead directly to higher utility costs and negative health outcomes.
In alignment and support of the Columbus Climate Action Plan, the Sustainable Columbus office is partnering with SUN and IMPACT Community Action to develop a low- to moderate-income (LMI) sol...
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