How To Support Black-Owned Businesses In The Solar Industry

We’ll admit it — the solar energy industry is an imperfect one. Though it has enjoyed considerable expansion as we transition into the era of clean energy, challenges and growing pains will persist as solar matures. For an industry that champions equity, independence and social and environmental responsibility, solar still has room to improve — especially in the areas of inclusion and the effort to elevate minorities in a field made up mostly of white men.

According to Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, “the $30 billion solar and storage industry is filled with tremendous opportunities, but our future success depends on our ability to expand our reach and welcome more diverse businesses to the industry.” The SEIA backed this statement with a 2019 study, showing that only 7.6% of the solar workforce is Black or African American.

As we enter Black History Month — a time dedicated to honoring the triumphs, struggles and contributions of Black people throughout U.S. history — we’re reflecting on ways that we can enrich our industry by elevating and empowering Black-owned businesses in our communities.

Supporting Black-owned businesses in solar is not only a means of combating racial injustice, but environmental injustices as well. As we all know, environmental injustice has a greater impact on low-income communities and communities of color. Let’s take a look at some of the leading Black-owned solar companies you can support: