Grassroots partnership brings affordable solar to low- and moderate-income households, advancing New York’s Climate Act equity mandate.

New York, NY – April 23, 2026 – As New York City families struggle under rapidly rising utility bills, Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC), Solar One, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors have expanded their Barrio Solar program, providing financial counseling and subsidies supporting 230 families working to install home solar projects. Barrio Solar has signed agreements with Accord Power to install solar electric systems for multi- and single-family homes, growing community-based solar programs directly addressing energy poverty among low- and moderate-income (LMI) households.

With Con Edison rate increases continuing to outpace wages, many NYC residents now spend well above the accepted 6 percent energy burden threshold, forcing families to make difficult choices between paying utility bills, rent, food, and healthcare. City and state data show that roughly one in four NYC households is energy-burdened (See NYC Comptroller’s report Record Highs: Tackling Energy Insecurity in the Heat of the Climate Crisis for more background).

This grassroots partnership expands two trusted programs—the Barrio Solar Program, serving LMI homeowners, ensuring that at-risk communities are not left behind in the clean energy transition. The Barrio Solar Program will engage with LMI households in Brooklyn to assess rooftop solar viability and enroll them in the Barrio Solar lease, with no up-front costs.The Barrio Solar lease is a rooftop solar lease model that saves households up to 20% on annual utility bills.

Barrio Solar and FAC Solar directly advance the goals of New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which requires that at least 35–40 percent of clean energy benefits reach disadvantaged communities. By prioritizing households facing the highest utility burdens, the partnership translates climate policy into tangible, household-level relief.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill abruptly ended the 30% federal residential solar tax credit, making owning your solar system more expensive,” said Stephen Levin, CEO of Solar One, “Barrio Solar’s no-upfront-cost lease model creates pathways to solar ownership for households, within 10 years, and guaranteed savings on increasing utility costs” 

For participating residents, the impact is immediate and deeply felt.

“Since installing solar, I feel much more protected from rising energy costs, and I can clearly see the difference compared to my parents’ home without solar,” said Ken Wong, a program participant. “Going through the Barrio Solar program was incredibly helpful—their nonprofit team guided us through the process and made everything feel more transparent and manageable. It gave us a lot of confidence, made the transition to solar much easier, and I’m really grateful I found the program.”

“Rising utility costs are a direct threat to housing stability for low- and moderate-income homeowners,” said Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director of the Fifth Avenue Committee. “By subsidizing solar installation, we’re helping families build long-term financial resilience while reducing their carbon footprint. This is exactly the kind of investment that keeps working-class homeowners rooted in their communities — and it’s long overdue.”

“Built on long-standing neighborhood relationships and community trust, the expansion reflects a shared commitment to climate justice, affordability, and dignity,” said Anthony Coker, Program Manager at Neighbors Helping Neighbors. “At a time when utility costs are pushing working families deeper into financial precarity, the initiatives demonstrate that locally led clean energy solutions can reduce energy burdens while strengthening community resilience.”

Barrio Solar is the first-of-its-kind effort that proves what’s possible when we put community first. This wasn’t a solo mission—it took the collective efforts of Solar One, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and the Fifth Avenue Committee coming together to bridge the gap between clean energy and local equity. “We aren’t just installing panels; we’re building a model for how neighborhoods like ours can lead the green transition while keeping costs down and the benefits right here at home,” said Coker.

“These are the types of projects that are the most meaningful for us,” said Ryan Eng, VP of Sales & Marketing at Accord Power. “When we can make a real impact in the communities we serve—helping families reduce their energy costs while also contributing to a cleaner environment—that’s what makes this work so rewarding. It’s about delivering solutions that improve people’s day-to-day lives while building a more sustainable future.”

Households and residents can learn more about ways to participate in Barrio Solar by visiting solar1.org/barrio-solar.

About the Partners

Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC) is a Brooklyn-based comprehensive community development organization whose mission is to advance economic, social, and racial justice in New York City through integrated, community-centered affordable housing, grassroots organizing, policy advocacy and transformative education, training, and services that build the power to shape our community’s future. For more information, visit www.fifthave.org. 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency based in Brooklyn. Its mission is to promote racial justice while empowering low- and moderate-income New Yorkers to fight for, secure and maintain quality housing, and build financial assets. Learn more at www.nhnhome.org.

Solar One is a  501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2004 whose mission is to design and deliver innovative environmental education, green workforce training, and solar technical assistance that fosters sustainability and resiliency in diverse urban environments. Solar One provides education, resources, and solar technical assistance to households through the Barrio Solar program. Solar One reviews utility bills, creates solar designs, and estimates household savings for interested homeowners. 

Accord Power is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) that has been developing innovative solar energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and multifamily properties across New York and New Jersey since 2009.  Accord Power is committed to expanding access to clean energy while creating economic and environmental benefits for the communities they serve. Their team specializes in the design, financing, installation, and development of high-performance solar and energy storage systems, delivering customized solutions that reduce energy costs and improve long-term sustainability for property owners and businesses. With projects installed throughout New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey, Accord Power combines deep regional expertise with a commitment to transparency, quality, and flexible financing structures.

Media Inquiries

Daphne Aquije, daphne@solar1.org