Trusted Partnerships: Making Community Solar Work
Trusted Partnerships: Making Community Solar Work
October 30, 2025 Solar, Energy Efficiency
A new Community Solar project came online in September, providing 121 low-income households in Northeast Portland with affordable, locally generated clean energy. With 2,200 solar panels across three acres near Portland International Airport (PDX), the project generates power in the neighborhood where it’s used.
Developed in partnership with Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), Port of Portland, and Verde, this project increases equitable access to renewable energy in Portland. As the low-income facilitator for the Oregon Community Solar Program, Community Energy Project (CEP) supported outreach and intake for the project. Fifty percent of the solar subscriptions were designated for low-income subscribers who will save between 30-45% annually on their energy bills.
A majority of the households subscribed to the project are located in the Cully neighborhood. The project is also one of several sources supplying Dignity Village with electricity for the first time. To reach frontline communities like these, CEP collaborates thoughtfully with partners to hold joint workshops that cover the details of the program and give participants the opportunity to sign up on the spot.
Erika Carranza, CEP Spanish Program Coordinator says, “it’s important to set up workshops with existing groups who are already providing resources. People who have already built a relationship with that organization see that we’re working together and know that they can trust our partnership.”
Verde was a valuable community partner throughout the Northeast Portland solar project and a number of other CEP initiatives. Erika and CEP Community Solar Program Coordinator David Saenz attended workshops with up to 15 Verde clients.
“Verde clients showed up in such high numbers because of the established relationship with the community,” said David. “The numbers within workshops help people feel more comfortable and see themselves in others who need help. It builds the image of community and hope for not feeling alone.”
While the experience of being energy burdened – spending 6% or more of your income on energy costs – can feel incredibly isolating, it is unfortunately not uncommon in Portland. According to 2023 data from PGE, 140,000 households have a high energy burden. Low-income high-burden customers paid an average of $2,300 in annual electricity bills – $400 more than the average household.
The Community Solar program not only reduces energy burdens, but it also connects households with thousands of others who are part of the clean energy movement. “While reducing my electric bill, I feel I’m making a contribution to the vital transition to renewable energy,” said participant Paul L.
You can learn more about this project in this article from the Port of Portland and hear directly from project participants and partners in this video from Verde. Interested in joining Community Solar? Schedule an intake call through CEP’s website.
