Solar Neighbors

Photo Credit: Rubén Salgado Escudero

The price of being poor in Detroit is this:

Low-income households spend three times more for utilities than those with higher income levels.

Households with low income spend up to 20 percent of their earnings on energy costs, greatly impacting their ability to cover basic needs like food, shelter, and medical expenses.

These same households disproportionately bear the burden of environmental and climate shifts that create unreliability in energy access and price spikes.

As a frontline organization committed to creating sustainable communities NEWCC’s Solar Neighbors is spearheading an effort to transition homes in three neighborhoods to renewable energy. Our work will create pathways to resiliency through improved climate preparedness, increased energy security, renewed infrastructure, and heightened economic prosperity.

Press

Seven Additional Teams Move on to Phase 3
American Made Challenges- Community Power Accelerator Prize
April 17, 2024

Meet the Community Power Accelerator Prize Phase 1 Winners
American Made Challenges- Community Power Accelerator Prize
May 5, 2023

Nonprofit helps a Detroit neighborhood learn about solar
Yale Climate Connections
December 19, 2022

Air, Wind, Solar: In the Great Lakes region, energy stands out in President Biden’s efforts
Great Lakes Now
March 16, 2021

2nd Annual Solar Tour Highlights

October is Solar Awareness Month, National Energy Awareness Month, Black Energy Awareness Month AND Children’s Environmental Health Month. On October 7, 2023, NEWCC and Solar Neighbors hosted our second annual Solar Tour. Participants had opportunities to participate in both in-person and virtual events, including a bus tour to different solar sites throughotu the city. Several solar-themed prizes, including TWO solar generators were awarded to participants. See below for photos from the tour!

Charging Stations

To date, NEWCC has installed four solar-powered, WiFi-equipped charging stations throughout the North End. The wifi at these charging stations is accessed anywhere from 200 to more than 500 times each month. They have become neighborhood gathering spots, cultivating community. NEWCC plans to install several more stations throughout the North End in the coming months, ensuring equitable internet and energy access for the community.

Bike Repair Stations

In Spring and Summer of 2022, NEWCC plans to install at least four bike-repair stations throughout the North End, as a complement to the charging stations. The bike-repair stations will be fully equipped with tools, an air pump, and instructional videos on common bike repairs. Our goal is to make biking more accessible for the community and subsequently reduce reliance on high-emission modes of transportation. At least two additional stations are planned for Highland Park, with hopes of expanding into Hamtramck in 2023.