Since 2000, our 501(c)(3) organization has accomplished our mission by providing solar energy assistance to low-income families and communities as a sustainable solution to energy poverty. We also have offered internships, hands-on training, and workshops for people of all ages to learn about solar energy as part of our Education and Community Outreach (ECO) program.
Starting in 2014, our design-build program began operating as its own self-standing for-profit corporation, REAL Solar. Since its launch, REAL Solar has maintained a commitment to energy security and environmental stewardship. REAL Solar is now also a partially employee-owned special benefits corporation.
Starting in 2014, our design-build program began operating as its own self-standing for-profit corporation, REAL Solar. Since its launch, REAL Solar has maintained a commitment to energy security and environmental stewardship. REAL Solar is now also a partially employee-owned special benefits corporation.
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Although scarcely on the societal radar, "energy poverty" is a pervasive social problem affecting over 33 million American households. On average, low-income households must spend about a fifth of their total income on energy-related expenses, straining already tight budgets. Struggling families are forced to make the impossible choice between home energy costs and other basic necessities, such as food and medical care.
Rather than simply paying low-income families' energy bills year after year, CS4CA forges a new model of energy assistance through the use of community-owned photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays as Solar Assistance. These centrally located systems provide renewable electricity to participating low-income community subscribers.
In Minnesota, 1 in 4 households experiences housing insecurity at some point in their lives due to unpredictable rent prices, relocation, and lack of access to affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity helps address housing insecurity by building affordable homes. Even after a home is built, the costs of homeownership continue, which includes the ongoing and increasing cost of energy.
These materials are free and 100% available for you to use. Please note that the concepts and activities can be easily adapted for older students and for use outside the classroom. Educating students about renewable energy is invaluable in creating a green energy future for Minnesota. It is powerful to know that there is a clean, renewable way forward in energy production and I think children today realize the strength in that message.
Starting in 2014, RREAL's design-build program began operating as its own self-standing for-profit corporation, REAL Solar. Since its launch, REAL Solar has maintained a commitment to energy security and environmental stewardship and is also now a partially employee-owned special benefits corporation.
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Paul Johnson
Jan 17, 2020
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