Reuse of Solar PV Systems for Social and Ecological Benefit: Academic Research and Non-Profit Implementation

Residential and commercial solar array owners are beginning to upgrade to newer, more efficient technologies. Much of this equipment is still functional. Meanwhile, low and moderate income households have an energy burden of 2.5 times that of higher income households but do not qualify for tax credit incentives for renewable energy systems. The Equitable Solar Solutions(TM) nonprofit program has gained significant learning from developing reuse solar projects that benefit needs-based households. Academic technical and social research with small and large system owners, solar installers, target client communities and recipients of reuse solar arrays validates this approach.