Community-Based Solar
Participating in Community-based Solar programs has never been easier. Join the growing community of area green nonprofits when you purchase power through solar providers, often at a discount! Solar energy significantly reduces carbon emissions and can produce savings on your monthly energy bill. Put those savings back into your program budget!
The process is simple. A nonprofit organization enters an agreement with a solar provider, agreeing to purchase energy from their panels, locking in a rate usually lower than conventionally produced energy.
Having difficulty? We can walk you through it. Request assistance.
Web Badges
For nonprofits who have engaged with a community solar provider, or otherwise adopted a system providing 100% solar power to their offices and facilities, we have created a small web badge graphic that you can display on your website and or social media pages. Displaying this badge tells your site visitors, funders, and the communities you serve that you’ve made a choice to use green energy solutions to power your nonprofit and you’re proud of that commitment.
We also hope that this badge will encourage other nonprofits to seek green energy solutions to lower their operational costs and decrease their dependency on fossil fuels. CGLIHC is committed to helping nonprofits reach their clean energy goals.
Specifications
The badges are .png files and have transparent backgrounds and are 250 pixels x 250 pixels. The badges should be sized no smaller than 150 pixels x 150 pixels (60%). You can use either version that works on your website. We recommend that you include the graphic in the footer of your website so that it appears on every page ensuring that your site visitors, no matter what page, are aware of your solar energy commitment. Additionally, we request that you link the badge back to CGLIHC’s solar program page.
Other Ways Nonprofits Can Save Money Using Solar Energy
Build Your Own System
There are a variety of ways to access solar energy in Massachusetts to lower costs through production of energy. First, a housing nonprofit can consider a capital campaign to build their own system. The benefits of this approach are that you own the system, and secure both the energy production and can collect the Solar Renewable Energy Credits, reducing your energy costs drastically. Capital campaigns for such systems might include a block grant request to a city, private foundations, and other partners.
Become a Solar Provider
A second option is to lease roof space to a solar provider. The solar provider recoups the Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and the nonprofit gains the production of clean energy, usually at a discount from conventionally produced electric.
What are the benefits of solar energy?
Solar energy offers numerous benefits, making it a popular and sustainable source of renewable energy. Some of the key advantages of solar energy include:
Clean and Renewable: Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source. It doesn’t produce harmful emissions or greenhouse gases, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and climate change mitigation.
Reduced Electricity Bills: Installing solar panels on your property can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills. Solar power can offset or even eliminate your reliance on grid electricity, depending on the system size and local conditions.
Energy Independence: Solar energy allows you to generate your electricity, reducing your dependence on external sources of energy. This can provide increased energy security and stability.
Low Operating Costs: Solar power systems typically have low operating and maintenance costs. Once installed, they require minimal upkeep, and the fuel (sunlight) is free.
Government Incentives: Many governments and regions offer financial incentives, tax credits, and rebates to encourage the adoption of solar energy, making it more affordable for homeowners and businesses.
Net Metering: Net metering allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid or receive credits for it, which can further reduce your electricity bills and increase your return on investment.
Environmental Benefits: Solar energy significantly reduces carbon emissions and environmental footprint. It helps combat climate change and minimizes environmental degradation associated with fossil fuel energy production.
Scalability: Solar power systems can be tailored to suit various energy needs, from small residential setups to large utility-scale installations. They can be expanded or upgraded as required.
Remote Power Generation: Solar panels can be installed in remote areas, providing access to electricity where it might be challenging or expensive to connect to the grid.
Job Creation: The solar industry creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and development. It contributes to economic growth and employment opportunities.
Technological Advancements: Ongoing advancements in solar technology have improved efficiency and reduced costs, making solar energy more accessible and competitive.
Energy Storage: Combining solar panels with energy storage solutions, such as batteries, allows you to store excess energy for use during cloudy days or at night, increasing self-sufficiency.
Resilience and Grid Stability: Distributed solar installations can enhance grid stability and resilience by reducing the strain on centralized power generation and distribution infrastructure.
Property Value: Solar panels can increase the resale value of a property, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Longevity: Solar panels have a long lifespan, typically around 25-30 years or more, and many manufacturers offer warranties to ensure performance over the years.
While solar energy has numerous advantages, it’s important to consider factors like location, initial investment costs, and system efficiency to determine the feasibility of solar power for a specific situation.
Our Projects
Dismas House of Massachusetts – Dismas provides housing and services for 40 homeless former offenders. Dismas built small scale solar projects and utilizes community-based, off-site panels for the rest of their energy needs. The solar credits, panels, and 15% reduction in cost have saved Dismas $25,000 per year since 2014.
Friendly House – Friendly House operates family shelters and youth programs. They have utilized a partnership with Nexamp to achieve solar and lower their costs.
Jeremiahs Inn – Jeremiahs Inn operates a food pantry serving over 15,000 people per year, a 30 bed social rehabilitation program, and a permanent housing program. All are fueled by solar, making them a green energy champion, and lowering their overall costs!