The Clinic is proud to announce the publication of a another new report, Understanding Community-Owned Solar: Mechanisms, Opportunities, and Risks. Prepared by Dr. Jungwoo Chun, Emilia Charno, Woods Windham, Emma Hickman, and Emily Canales for the DUSP Center for Renewable Energy and Climate Justice, this report offers one of the most detailed examinations to date of how communities can take true ownership over solar energy production.

While community solar has grown rapidly in the U.S., ownership models have not always prioritized local control or equitable benefit. This report challenges that trend by clearly defining community-owned solar, distinguishing it from broader subscription-based models, and providing a roadmap for more democratic, locally controlled energy systems.

The report explores:

• A refined working definition of “community-owned solar” grounded in literature and case studies

• Comparative models of cooperative, LLC, and tribal/municipal ownership structures

• Financing mechanisms including tax credits, crowdfunding, and federal/state incentives

• Risks and barriers, particularly for low- and moderate-income communities

• Key themes including equity, energy democracy, and local economic development

As states and federal agencies continue to invest in renewable energy, we hope this report provides a clear framework for how community ownership can lead to more just, resilient, and inclusive energy transitions.

The full report is now available online at this link.