We’re highlighting the people and programs that help individuals and families with low incomes build brighter futures this Community Action Month. Today, we’re turning our focus to the Solar Program.

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Making Solar Energy Accessible to All

In partnership with All Energy Solar, CAP-HC’s Solar Program helps residents with low incomes access the benefits of solar energy by covering the cost of community solar subscriptions. These subscriptions reduce household electricity bills without requiring the homeowner to install panels at their own expense. All Energy Solar manages the solar array installations and maintenance. This means families can save money and contribute to a cleaner environment without initial costs or ongoing maintenance. Just the benefit of lower energy bills.

The average energy burden—the proportion of household income spent on energy—is 2% in Minnesota. Families with lower incomes average an energy burden of 8% with some facing energy burdens over 30%.^{^} When families are already stretching every dollar to cover food, rent, and healthcare, high energy bills can force them to make impossible decisions between basic needs or having electricity.

Meet Leon

“Energy burden is real,” shared Leon, a CAP-HC staff member. “This program reduces those monthly costs so that people can be more financially secure in their situation.”

For Leon, the Solar Program is important because “it helps people lower their high energy costs and do something great for the environment.” He went on to say, “people are understandably wary of hearing ‘we’ll give you this expensive thing for free.’ But I would call people myself to talk them through it. Since people know CAP-HC, it made things easier.”

Once clients understood the program, Leon shared “they are thrilled to be getting the help!” Every dollar saved on an electric bill is a dollar that can go toward other basic needs. Leon shared that one client he worked with has already completely eliminated his electric bills by using solar energy! “He is now able to use that money to improve other aspects of his life.”

These small shifts add up to powerful change. When people can move beyond survival mode, they can open up to new possibilities, to hopefulness.

A Brighter, Greener Future for All

CAP-HC’s Solar Program helps clients feel like part of a sustainable future. By integrating environmental sustainability with economic justice, we’re not only addressing poverty—we’re changing lives, improving communities, and making Hennepin County a better place to live.

Learn more about our Solar Program.

Want to support this work?

Donate at caphennepin.org/donate in honor of Community Action Month. Your gift helps shine light—and hope—into the lives of your neighbors.

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Source: ^{^}Minnesota Energy Data Dashboard, May 2022, Department of Commerce