Vote Solar

08/28/2026

California just took a major step toward expanding access to clean, affordable energy.

Lawmakers passed legislation this week to legalize plug-in (balcony) solar, making it possible for renters and homeowners to plug certified solar panels directly into a standard outlet to help offset their electricity use.

As electricity costs continue to rise, plug-in solar offers a simple, affordable option for renters and other households that have traditionally been left out of the rooftop solar market.

Learn more: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/balcony-solar/california-lawmakers-pass-bill-oking-balcony-solar

08/25/2026

Extra extra, read all about solar developments across the country! 🗞️

Take a look at some of Vote Solar's latest coverage and learn more about how Vote Solar is championing policies that lower energy costs, center communities, and build a more resilient clean energy future. 🌎️

08/13/2026

Meet the 2026 Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award finalists! ☀️

These 10 leaders are advancing energy justice in communities across the country—from building community-owned clean energy and creating economic opportunity to organizing for healthier neighborhoods and shaping more equitable energy policy.

Their work reflects Dr. Jackson’s legacy: ensuring communities too often left out of energy decisions have the power to shape their own clean energy futures.

Learn more: https://votesolar.org/the-2026-dr-espanola-jackson-energy-justice-award-nominees

08/13/2026

Congrats to our Eric Walker, who has been named a Top 10 finalist for the Vote Solar Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership! https://votesolar.org/the-2026-dr-espanola-jackson-energy-justice-award-nominees/

08/10/2026

️⚡️Energy demand is rising, and communities across the country are feeling the pressure.

In Illinois, community solar and other clean energy solutions can help meet that moment—while making the grid more affordable, reliable, and resilient. Vote Solar’s John Delurey recently shared this perspective in the Chicago Tribune, highlighting how generating electricity closer to where it’s used can strengthen local economies and reduce strain on the grid.

Many thanks to Reactivate for making projects worth bragging about and Pew Research Center for pulling together great resources on local solar and storage. Together, we’re pushing forward policies that ensure homeowners and renters alike can share in the benefits of a cleaner, more affordable energy system.

08/10/2026

⚡️ Energy demand is rising, and communities across the country are feeling the pressure.

In Illinois, community solar and other clean energy solutions can help meet that moment—while making the grid more affordable, reliable, and resilient. Vote Solar’s John Delurey recently shared this perspective in the Chicago Tribune, highlighting how generating electricity closer to where it’s used can strengthen local economies and reduce strain on the grid.

Many thanks to Reactivate for making projects worth bragging about and Pew for pulling together great resources on local solar and storage. Together, we’re pushing forward policies that ensure homeowners and renters alike can share in the benefits of a cleaner, more affordable energy system.

08/03/2026

HUGE solar win out of Minnesota! ☀️ 🎉

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has accepted Xcel Energy’s Integrated Distribution Plan (IDP), which includes critical clean energy initiatives like flexible interconnection and planned net load.

The Commission also ordered Xcel to file a separate virtual power plant (VPP) pilot program by March 1, 2027, which will explore how community-driven technologies like rooftop solar and home batteries can work together to support the electric grid.

TLDR? Minnesota's largest utility included community power resources in its long-term planning – a move to improve system efficiency and affordability for all customers.

07/29/2026

07/28/2026

Recently, Vote Solar's Chief Programs Officer, Sean Garren, had the opportunity to share his thoughts on utility planning with The Wall Street Journal.

"Before utilities ask families and small businesses to shoulder costs, they should be required to demonstrate they’ve fully evaluated and invested in faster, more affordable ways to get more energy out of the grid we already have."

The truth is, our aging energy grid isn't fit to support the unprecedented demand from AI and data centers. That's why readily available solar solutions like community power networks are so important.

07/17/2026

Our executive director was featured on Radio A Rude Awakening last week!

Some highlights:
1) The grid must be built around flexibility.
2) Solar paired with batteries is increasingly replacing reliance on expensive gas “peaker” plants and reshaping how peak demand is met.
3) California’s DSGS program is a great example of how distributed energy resources can benefit the power system while lowering costs for every ratepayer.

Listen here:

On today’s show, the executive director of Vote Solar, Sachu Constantine discusses solar and reshaping the U.S. power system.