Generating clean energy & cost savings through community solar

Hospitals across the country are finding new ways to lean into their role as anchor institutions, including exciting strategies to create clean energy while reducing utility costs for community members. "Community solar" allows hospitals to reduce emissions through solar power and provide community access to solar benefits through a subscription-based program. Since community solar developers require the inclusion of large energy users for economic viability, hospitals are well-positioned to participate.

EPA and Boston Medical Center (BMC) will share stories and strategies about community solar and BMC’s Clean Power Prescription program. BMC's pilot program enables providers to identify underserved patients and reduce their utility bills using renewable energy. Made possible by the recent installation of solar panels on BMC's rooftop, the program will support the physical, economic, and environmental health of BMC's patients and bring eligible households the benefits of cleaner, less-expensive, renewable solar power. Participants will learn how to reduce energy costs while including community members in the clean energy transition.

Learning objectives

• Discover how to reduce energy costs while including community members in the clean energy transition.
• Understand the mechanisms behind effective community solar projects.
• Gain insight into IRA programs that allowed Boston Medical Center to create an innovative model providing utility discounts to patients.