Commonwealth Club of California Podcast CLIMATE ONE: ENCORE: Solar Power to the People
Dec 26, 2025
Elizabeth Yeampierre, an attorney and environmental justice leader at UPROSE, discusses local solar initiatives in Brooklyn that empower communities and reduce energy costs. Arturo Massol-Deyá, from Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico, shares insights on building resilient solar microgrids after disasters. Skyler Zunk, CEO of Energy Right, talks about promoting solar in conservative rural Virginia, emphasizing energy independence and local economic benefits. Together, they underscore the importance of community-driven clean energy solutions.
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Scale By Using Local Roofs And Lots
- Map local rooftops and parking lots to scale community solar and maximize reach.
- Elizabeth recommends using lessons from smaller arrays to service thousands of families on larger rooftops.
From Protest To Forest Stewardship
- Casa Pueblo began by blocking a destructive mine and later managed Bosque del Pueblo for community benefit.
- Arturo Massol-Deyá recounted starting solar in 1999 and reaching full power for Casa Pueblo before Hurricane Maria.
Solar Kept A Town Alive After Maria
- When Hurricane Maria hit, Casa Pueblo kept lights, radio, and charging available thanks to their solar and batteries.
- They coordinated relief, provided medical power, and served as a local communications hub.