PIcture of young people holding up signs that say "Save Idaho Solar" and "Clean Energy for All" at a rally

At Idaho Sierra Club, we advocate for CLEAN ENERGY FOR ALL, and at the top of that list is equitable, affordable, locally-owned solar power.

Read more below about our local campaigns to advance community solar and equitable homeowner rooftop solar.

Idaho Needs Community Solar!

Not everyone owns a home or can afford to put solar panels on their roof.

Community solar is a way to let EVERYONE benefit from local solar power. Solar panels are put on a community building and the power is shared across the neighborhood!

TAKE ACTION!

It’s time to tell utilities, local officials, and regulators that we are ready to see equitable, community-owned solar power in our communities.

Sign the Petition!

Join our new Energy Justice Team!

More Info About Community Solar

Download/view the infographic with this information.

Illustrated graphic with words "Solar For All" on a sunshine with a cityscape on one side and mountains on other side and solar panels everywhere and white and Black hands holding the sun — *Illustrated by Melissa Eyer, Skyview High School student*

Benefits of Community Solar

Reduce energy bills
Create local jobs
More democratic control
Build community wealth
Increase power reliability
Improve public health

Where Can Community Solar Projects Be Located?

The possibilities are endless! A few examples include:

Community buildings
Parking lots
Brownfields

Community Solar Improves Solar Access For:

Renters
Low-income households
Folks w/ unsuitable rooftops

Who Owns The Solar Array?

Cooperatives
Nonprofits
Municipalities
NOT investor-owned corporate utilities!

What Can Community Solar Look Like?

The community comes together to put solar panels on the local food co-op.
Local individuals, schools, businesses, and others sign up to receive energy from the panels.
Subscribers receive credit on their energy bill based on the energy the panels produce.
Household energy bills are lowered, and any excess from the system can be reinvested into the community!
Where the panels go or how the project comes to fruition can take many forms, but the benefits are consistent across community solar programs!

What’s Standing In The Way?

Community solar requires utility cooperation to access the grid and adjust customer bills. However, many corporate utilities don’t have community solar programs, and are often resistant to locally-owned solar because they prefer to own all energy resources to maximize their profits.