How One Country's Russian Gas Crisis Became a Green Energy Boom

Several nonprofits are running a solar cooperative in El Paso, Texas, that helps homeowners come together to buy and install solar panels in bulk, which makes them more affordable.

States across the United States are passing legislation that supports the development of community solar programs. These projects allow community members who can’t install their own solar panels to subscribe to other solar projects nearby, often on farms, schools, or stores. Alongside the property owner, subscribers help fund the project and save money on future electricity bills based on the power generated.

A collaborative partnership among local and national organizations made it possible to install solar panels on 10 Greensboro homes for free. Because of this effort, many low-income families have seen a significant decrease in their energy bills and an increase in value of their homes. Although convincing people to install the panels was a challenge, organizers are now figuring out how to scale the initiative and make it sustainable in the longterm.

Solar energy is a clean, cheap, renewable, and land-efficient resource, making it a valuable technology to scale up in the face of climate concerns and clean energy. Diversifying the supply chain for creating and sourcing solar panels can help make solar energy more reliable when faced with geopolitical and human rights issues.

After the 2008 economic recession hit, Carla Walker-Miller shifted her energy services business model to not only supply electrical equipment but also implement energy efficiency programs for communities of color in Detroit. She has been able to service 75 households, which has resulted in energy bill savings up to $600 a year for families. The company also has a robust recruitment and training program for young people and those experiencing economic hardship.

Denmark has consistently maintained a commitment to energy independence since the 1970s when their first policies were put in place. Through collaborations among government actors, grid operators, and utilities, it has built one of the most reliable sustainable energy grids, most notably with 40% of its electricity powered by wind.

The Hong Kong Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Scheme is an ongoing government program that incentivizes rooftop solar adoption by allowing individuals and organizations to sell solar-generated electricity back to utility companies at rates higher than what customers pay for regular electricity.

Utah legislators passed a bill exempting small-scale balcony solar installations from utility interconnection regulations to replicate Germany's successful approach, but the absence of national electrical standards and safety certifications have so far prevented widespread adoption and impact in the U.S.

A first-of-its-kind renewable energy system in Hengbung, India, creates hydropower with solar pumps to prevent the community from experiencing prolonged power outages during extreme weather. At the same time, the project is increasing India’s renewable energy capacity.

After insurgents cut off the village of Maiduguri from the power grid, residents started switching to solar energy as a way to power their appliances. For many, using the solar kits have reduced their energy expenses, but, at the same time, they also require more battery maintenance and the upfront cost can be expensive. “It has reduced daily expenses in terms of fueling generators and monthly servicing,” says one resident. “All these things are off my neck.”