Boise City Council is currently collecting public comments on what to prioritize in the next City Budget, which will be approved later this summer. If we get our input in NOW, we can help ensure the City actually sets aside funds for an equitable community solar project.
Please fill out the City's Budget Survey below to show City Council that Boiseans want to see a community solar pilot project for low-income residents included in next year’s budget. We'll submit it to the City for you and keep you posted on the outcome and other opportunities to engage!
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What is "community solar?"
Community solar is an innovative program that lets community members of all income levels share the benefits of one big solar array in their neighborhood, getting credits on their power bills for the energy the solar panels produce.
How can we get a community solar project in Boise?
The City of Boise has identified a potential location for its first community solar pilot project that would benefit low-income residents at a City-owned apartment complex. Now we just need to get it included in the City Budget to make it a reality—which is why we're asking you to fill out the City's Budget Survey to show your support!
What talking points would be helpful for me to include in my comment on the City's Budget Survey?
- All people—no matter their income or housing situation—should have access to affordable, local clean energy. Programs like community-owned solar open the door to the benefits of local clean energy in their neighborhoods.
- Equitable community solar can make electricity more affordable for Boise families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
- Local community solar can help protect us from data center cost shifts. Power hungry data centers and tech manufacturing facilities are increasing electricity demand and pushing up power bills. Community solar could add power to the grid without heavily burdening existing infrastructure.
- The City of Boise made a commitment in its Climate Action Roadmap to “develop a 500 kW community solar project every five years.” The first deadline was last year (2025). It’s time to make this happen!
- Tax credits and business donations are already available specifically to cover the cost of low-income-focused community solar projects, making this financially feasible for the City.
