Building back better with community solar

There’s no question that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating and long-lasting impact on many people’s health, their livelihoods and the global economy. The renewables sector is not immune to this, but is expected to be relatively resilient, as the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported last month.

While the US domestic rooftop solar industry has suffered revenue and job losses due to Covid-19, community solar is weathering the pandemic better than most. Our projects allow people to access the benefits of clean, renewable energy easily, helping them save money on their electricity bills as well as cutting their carbon emissions. These are simple things that ordinary people appreciate even more during such challenging times.

Eden’s US business has been slightly affected by lockdown causing delays in starting construction at our approved  sites, and delays in approving other community solar farms in our development program. Town board and planning meetings are still taking place, but online rather than face to face. And of course, all our team members are working from home, many juggling child care and home-schooling with their daily job responsibilities.

Some disruption to supply chains is inevitable, which may affect panel supply from the USA and the rest of the world. These issues are short-term problems which we don't anticipate will have a long-term impact on us or the wider solar industry. Fortunately our ability to fund projects has not been affected. 

As a solar company which puts communities at the heart of our developments, we’ve also been inspired by the community spirit which the health crisis has highlighted, as people have really come together to support one another. We are also encouraged by the momentum now building behind the movement to ‘build back better’. The imperative for a transition to a resilient future economy based on clean, sustainable energy rather than the pollution-generating burning of fossil fuels has never been greater. 

The We Mean Business Coalition and World Resources Institute are just some of the many campaign groups calling for governments across the world to build climate and resilience into their longer-term economic stimulus plans in order to boost economic growth, create good jobs, reduce emissions, ensure clean air, and increase resilience to future shocks. Meanwhile our home state of New York was one of the first to show leadership on this issue.

At Eden Renewables, we are excited about being able to play a part in a greener, better future. Our pollinator-friendly community solar farms are tackling the biodiversity crisis alongside the climate crisis; providing educational opportunities for young people; and investing funds directly into local community projects. Please join us on the journey!