AFFORDABLE HOUSING
SOLAR + STORAGE
FAITH-BASED/NONPROFITS
Community Leaders
Community First Solar Program Pillars
Give todayWhen you go solar, you can reduce the cost of your utility bills. Most of SunWork’s customers purchase their system outright thereby often reducing their monthly cost to PG&E’s minimum monthly bill of around $10. The payback period for SunWork’s affordable systems are about 5 to 10 years depending on the size of your system.
Shaping the future of Solar Energy!
Community First Solar, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to bridging the gap in solar accessibility by bringing sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities.
About Us
Community First Solar is Creating A Huge Impact in the Solar Energy Space!
Community First Solar, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to bridging the gap in solar accessibility by facilitating solar adoption in underserved communities and among families burdened by rising energy costs. Our initiatives are designed to expand access to renewable energy for those who may otherwise be unable to afford solar installations without incurring debt or financial hardship.
The energy sector is rapidly evolving, with renewable energy, particularly solar power, playing a critical role in the global transition to sustainability. As the demand for clean energy grows, solar power has emerged as a key solution for reducing carbon footprints and expanding access to renewable energy resources.
However, research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory highlights a significant disparity: solar adoption remains largely concentrated among higher-income households. While solar energy has gained traction as a cost-saving and sustainable solution, its advantages have disproportionately benefited affluent communities. Efforts are underway to level the playing field by making solar power more accessible to low-income households. By redirecting the financial benefits of solar energy investments to those most affected by environmental and economic challenges, these initiatives can drive meaningful impact in marginalized communities.
“At Community First Solar, our mission is to empower underserved communities that are often overlooked in energy discussions,” the organization states. To achieve this, Community First Solar collaborates with a broad network of stakeholders—including individuals, organizations, investors, financial institutions, and political and community leaders—to develop and implement solar energy projects that prioritize equitable access and long-term sustainability.
Watch Our Intro!
Home Saver Elite and Fresh Start Program
Community First Solar is dedicated to bridging the gap in solar energy accessibility through innovative programs such as the Solar Home Saver Elite Program and Fresh Start Program. These initiatives are designed to support communities from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly those who lack the financial means to install solar energy systems without taking on additional debt. Additionally, we assist homeowners who have previously financed solar installations and are seeking financial relief from existing loan commitments.
Home Saver Elite Program
Our Solar Home Saver Elite Program provides a unique opportunity to transition to solar energy without financial burden. This initiative enables homeowners to benefit from clean energy and long-term savings, all while eliminating the stress of upfront costs or ongoing loan payments.
Fresh Start Program
Community First Solar, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to closing the gap in solar energy access between higher-income households and those facing financial barriers. Through initiatives like the Fresh Start Program, we make solar adoption more accessible, with a focus on underserved communities and families struggling with rising energy costs, debt, and the financial challenges of solar installation. This program is designed to provide homeowners burdened by solar-related debt with a pathway to financial recovery, allowing them to continue benefiting from solar energy savings without added financial strain.
At Community First Solar, our mission is to make solar energy available to everyone—without the burden of debt. Unlike the for-profit companies that dominate the solar industry, our focus is on social impact rather than profit. We strive to ensure that all homeowners, regardless of their financial situation, can access the benefits of clean energy without excessive costs or financial hardship. Our goal is to correct past inequities and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Our Services
Our User-Friendly Service & Step-by-step Technical Assistance
Residents across the US, including those residing in marginalized communities, now have the opportunity to access solar renewable energy at no cost through Community First Solar. The organization, via its Home Saver Elite program, offers extensive technical support for multifamily residential and commercial properties contemplating solar adoption. With a powerful fusion of solar knowledge, a streamlined technical support system, and robust partnerships, CFS is extending the advantages of solar energy to communities across the nation, particularly prioritizing historically underserved and disadvantaged areas. Central to our approach is education, empowering participants to make informed choices regarding their solar projects.
WHAT WE DO
Community First Solar
Our Process
Community First Solar (CFS) collaborates with individual homeowners on an individual basis as well as organizations, financial institutions, and political and community leaders to locate projects that best serve their constituents in their communities.
Once a project has been identified, the work begins. Community First Solor (CFS) locates Solar equity partners in our network, encompassing individuals, organizations, and financial institutions that look to advance solar energy projects and receive tax incentives for investing in renewable energy solar projects in our communities.
Our Proposition
Our team conducts onsite assessments and financial analyses to evaluate the solar potential of each property. Community First Solar, in collaboration with its partners, delivers thorough technical support to multifamily residential and commercial property owners contemplating solar adoption. Through a dynamic blend of solar proficiency, an efficient technical support framework, and strategic alliances, CFS is expanding solar accessibility in communities and neighborhoods throughout the US. Our approach prioritizes education, empowering participants to make well-informed choices regarding their solar endeavors.
Trusted installers
Immediate Solar is our partner of choice in this huge undertaking to provide solar energy to communities throughout the US with a special priority to service marginalized low-income communities.
Completed solar projects.
Community First Solar facilitates the realization of your solar projects. Following installation, homeowners and commercial property owners promptly experience a noticeable decrease in electricity bills, providing immediate relief from this significant financial burden.
Our Team
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Community First Solar is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that addresses the disparity between higher income earners that have solar
Case Study 150 One
Community First Solar (CFS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that advances equitable solutions for affordable, reliable, and clean energy for homeowners burdened by the rise of energy costs especially those residing in disadvantaged communities across the US. Community First Solar (CFS) engages with communities and tests solutions that can support an equitable energy transition as the state integrates more diverse sources into our energy composition. The organization advances research on the energy needs of middle to low-income consumers, develops solutions to address those needs, and establishes a network of on-the-ground relationships to enable deployment.
Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide an available pathway to reducing energy bills for low- and moderate-income households and providing access to clean energy. While the adoption of rooftop solar has gained traction over the past decade as costs of solar systems have come down, there is still a significant difference in adoption between upper- and lower-income households. A 2021 study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that while 18% of households lived in designated disadvantaged communities; these households only made up 11% of solar adopters. Additionally, other data shows that about 40% of low and moderate-income households in Texas struggle with paying their energy bills.
Community Frist Solar (Cfs) seeks to overcome barriers to solar adoption by connecting teams of stakeholders that are pioneering new ideas with the resources they need to succeed with Case Study 150 One.
Our impact
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Solar energy has the potential to diminish the operating expenses of your affordable housing portfolio, simultaneously shielding you from fluctuating energy prices. Recent years have witnessed a decline in the cost of solar technology, coupled with the emergence of new financing options, rendering solar power more economical than before. Despite the inherent complexities of solar adoption, Community First Solar offers affordable housing providers extensive technical support to streamline the process, enabling them to install solar on their housing portfolios at no cost.
Are you interested in solar for your building or portfolio? Complete the form below or email us at info@cfs.org to schedule a time to speak with a CFS staff regarding your buildings and/or properties solar potential.
SOLAR + STORAGE
Combining solar with battery backup, also known as energy storage, offers your building and/or home clean, dependable power and potential energy savings, ensuring uninterrupted access to electricity during grid outages.
The significance of a resilient power supply has become evident, particularly amid extreme weather events and grid failures. Traditionally, batteries were primarily utilized for off-grid solar ventures in remote regions lacking utility power access. However, as energy storage technologies advance and costs decrease, storage is increasingly becoming a feasible option for residential properties. Integrating battery backup into solar projects not only provides emergency power but also enables significant reductions in electricity bills for large energy consumers by mitigating demand charges.
FAITH-BASED/NONPROFITS
Community First Solar collaborates with tax-exempt organizations to finance solar projects. Through an innovative financing approach, Community First Solar leverages tax credits to lower the costs for any nonprofit or tax-exempt organization transitioning to solar energy. We extend our services to Faith-Based Organizations, Schools, Government Buildings, Veterans organizations, Arts and Culture Organizations, and various community service organizations. See if your organization qualifies today.
Political/Community Leaders
One Community Program
Energy prices have spiked to levels not seen in decades. The price increases are expected to result in continued sharp upward pressure on household energy bills. Policy makers like yourselves look to prioritize policies that encourage greater energy efficiency, accelerate the transition towards low-carbon energy sources, and relieve your constituents of the heavy burden of electricity costs. It’s no secret that Renewable energy is the way to go to help your constituents in your communities immediately reduce one of the highest expenses in their homes.
Solar companies are rapidly emerging in a solar gold rush, prioritizing profit over the well-being of your constituents. Many homeowners are pressured into long-term loans or oversold solar panels, resulting in excessive interest and financial strain. Community First Solar aims to make a positive impact by offering constituents Solar Renewable energy at no cost and the following programs below to help educate and make them hole again.
Community First Solar Program Pillars
- Community Education – Renewable Energy / Environmental Awareness
- Financial Literacy / Wealth Development
- Emotional Wellness / Family Development
- Civic Education / Engagement
Our programs are not only designed to reduce your constituent’s electricity bill, but to also provide on the importance of energy conservation and renewable energy not only to their family, but to the community and planet. The next step once they start saving money is to provide education on financial literacy on what to do with their savings.
Partner with Community First Solar with our “One Community” program and together let’s save on electricity and save the planet one neighbor at a time.
Solar Equity Partners
Community First Solar: Empowering Communities Through Clean Energy
At Community First Solar, we are committed to expanding access to clean, renewable energy while promoting environmental and economic sustainability. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to develop solar energy projects that benefit underserved communities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create long-term positive change. Our work is not driven by profit but by the goal of reinvesting resources into solar initiatives that provide lasting social and environmental benefits.
Partnering for a Sustainable Future
We invite individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations to join us in bringing renewable energy solutions to communities that need them most. Through tax-advantaged funding opportunities, donors can support high-impact solar initiatives that:
- Provide clean, reliable energy to underserved neighborhoods and nonprofit organizations
- Reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability
- Strengthen local economies by supporting workforce development in the renewable energy sector
Every contribution helps us expand access to solar power and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
How Community-Based Solar Funding Works
Community First Solar operates through a funding model that allows businesses and individuals to contribute to solar projects while benefiting from available tax incentives. Unlike traditional investment models, our nonprofit structure ensures that all contributions are used to fund solar energy installations, energy efficiency programs, and sustainable infrastructure improvements.
Contributions are structured as sponsorships, grants, or donor-advised funding, ensuring compliance with nonprofit regulations while maximizing the positive impact on communities. By supporting our efforts, donors help bring clean energy solutions to schools, nonprofit organizations, and families that would otherwise lack access to affordable renewable energy.
Creating Lasting Change
Our projects provide more than just energy. They reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs for communities, and support educational programs that teach the next generation about sustainability. The revenue generated from these projects is reinvested into additional solar initiatives, allowing us to expand our reach and impact.
With your support, we can bring solar energy to more communities, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and build a cleaner, more equitable future.
Join Us in Powering Communities
By partnering with Community First Solar, you can be part of a movement dedicated to making renewable energy accessible to all. Your donation will have a direct and lasting impact on communities that need sustainable energy solutions the most.
To learn more about how you can support our mission or to make a donation, please contact us today.
GIVE TODAY
Community First Solar is committed to the ambitious mission of extending access to solar power and educational programs across the United States. Contributions from generous supporters like yourself play a pivotal role in advancing this goal.
Included in our budget are routine operational expenses such as utility bills and staff salaries, alongside provisions for additional resources to support our diverse programs. However, revenue from grants and sponsorships proves insufficient to cover our full expenditure, necessitating the reliance on the Community First Solar Fund.
This fund provides essential, immediately available support crucial to the organization’s functioning. Your generosity helps bridge the disparity between grants and the actual cost of realizing our vision for a sustainable environment.
Solar Basics and Benefits of Solar Energy
What are the reasons people go solar? Often the most important benefits for homeowners are reducing their utility costs while at the same time reducing their carbon footprint.
Avoid Future Utility Price Increases
Chances are your utility company has been steadily increasing the cost of electricity for years – and it is likely they will continue to do so. If you are generating enough electricity on your rooftop in order to meet your household requirements, you can keep your costs for electricity close to zero. This means your costs won’t go up when the electrical utility raises its rates.
Reduce Greenhouse Gasses
When you go solar, ideally you will produce enough electricity on your rooftop to completely cover your electricity needs. Some electricity you will consume directly and the rest will be credited to your account for you to utilize at night or on cloudy days.. Every kilowatt of solar installed lowers a home’s carbon footprint by around 3,000 pounds of carbon annually (depending on your location and your electricity company.)
Increase Property Values
Several studies have shown that when you add rooftop solar to your home, you can often increase the value of your home. Online real estate database company Zillow published research in 2019 that showed that “homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power.” As homebuyers become more aware of the benefits of solar, they increasingly consider pre-installed solar to be an important benefit when buying a new home.
Power Home Electrification
Many people decide to go solar when they get ready to buy their first electric vehicle (EV). Once you have solar on your roof, you can leverage new technologies like Heat Pump Water Heaters, Induction Cooking, and Heat Pump Space Heaters/Coolers in addition to EVs. Through adopting these new electrification technologies, you’ll further reduce your emissions of greenhouse gasses such as gasoline and natural gas. You’ll also take advantage of additional cost savings.
Residential Gallery
Customer Stories
Checkout our homeowner customer stories and learn how solar energy can truly be affordable, save you money, and help you contribute towards making a difference in preserving the planet.
