There’s something about spring that invites optimism. The light lingers longer. The chill recedes. And for those of us connected to community solar, our panels start soaking up more sun, translating photons into power — and, not insignificantly, smaller utility bills.
But if we zoom out, beyond our personal utility statements, there’s another kind of energy we can tap into this season: civic energy. Spring is a time to not just clean out closets but to think about the kind of community — and climate future — we’re actively participating in.
So, what does it mean to do a solar-themed spring cleaning? It’s not about scrubbing panels on your roof (though if you have them, go ahead!). It’s about refreshing your relationship with the energy transition. It’s about aligning your small daily actions with a big, ambitious idea: that we can shift to cleaner power, together.
Here’s a guide to getting started — a solar spring-cleaning list, if you will.
1. Tell Your Friends: Word-of-Mouth Is a Climate Tool
Community solar is one of the most accessible paths into clean energy. It doesn’t require rooftop panels or a homeownership deed. And yet — many people still haven’t heard of it.
If you’re subscribed to a community solar farm, you’re in a powerful position: you’ve got a story. Share it. Talk about it at a dinner party. Mention it when someone complains about rising energy costs. Post about it on social media.
In a country where trust in institutions is low, peer recommendation matters more than ever. You don’t have to be a climate policy expert to be a persuasive advocate. You just have to be real.
2. Check Your Energy Bills: Reflect on the Wins
How often do you look at your utility statement and feel… hopeful?
If you’re part of a community solar program, take a few minutes this spring to review how much your share has been producing. Are you seeing credits? Are the savings increasing with sunnier days? That’s progress you can feel — and track.
This isn’t just a financial exercise. It’s a way of staying connected to the impact of your choices.
3. Brush Up on the Basics: Know What You’re Supporting
Solar is clean, yes. But it’s also local, job-generating, and increasingly affordable. When you understand how community solar works — and how it benefits low- and moderate-income households, municipalities, and small businesses — you’re better equipped to talk about it.
You don’t need to memorize the latest capacity factor data. But it’s worth knowing how your solar subscription fits into the larger energy landscape — especially as debates about grid reliability, permitting, and energy equity continue to surface.
4. Write for the Light: Contact Your Elected Officials
Congress is still debating the future of clean energy incentives — like tax credits, permitting reforms, and investment in distributed generation. Don’t underestimate the value of constituent input.
A short, respectful email to your representative can make a difference. Tell them you’re part of a community solar program and want to see federal support for projects like it continue. Personalize it. Make it human.
Policymakers hear from lobbyists every day. They hear from you less often. Change that.
Ready to reach out to your representative?
Use our letter template to get started and personalized it. It's a bit easier than starting from scratch.
5. Clean Up Your Digital Footprint — and Use It for Good
We spend hours online, but how often do we use our platforms to advocate for something bigger than ourselves?
This spring, consider posting about your solar journey. Share how you got involved. Tag your provider. Link to resources. Your influence isn’t limited to likes — it’s in the conversations that follow.
While you're at it don't forget to follow PureSky Energy on your favorite platform:
6. Plant the Seeds of Local Change
Supporting clean energy isn’t just a national issue. Local governments, school boards, and planning commissions play outsized roles in shaping what kind of energy infrastructure gets built — and where.
This spring, attend a town hall. Show up to a zoning board meeting. Ask your city if they’re considering community solar or clean energy procurement for municipal buildings.
Even better: encourage your kids’ school or your place of worship to explore solar options. Every institutional subscriber makes the solar garden grow.
It often takes just one person to make a change in their community. That's the case with Dennis Bauchwitz, a PureSky Community Solar Customer, who introduced his community to community solar and built a composting program.
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7. Connect with Your Provider: You’re Part of the Ecosystem
Community solar providers aren’t faceless utilities. Many are small- to mid-sized companies building real projects in your region. Reach out. Ask what’s new. See if they have referral programs or volunteer opportunities.
PureSky offers its customers $50 for every new customer they refer, plus $50 as a signing bonus for the new customer. If you want to raise money for your non-profit, we offer a similar program for fundraising - reach out to us today.
You’re not just a customer. You’re a stakeholder in something larger.
8. Get Ready for Summer: More Sun Means More Savings
One of the quiet joys of spring is the anticipation of what’s to come. Longer days mean more production from your solar share — which means more credits, more savings, and more carbon avoided.
Take a moment to appreciate that. Amid the noise of climate headlines, it’s easy to forget that tangible good is happening every time the sun rises and hits your solar farm.
9. Make Your Home More Efficient: Align Your Habits with Your Values
Solar doesn’t work in a vacuum. Your choices inside the home matter too. This spring, consider:
- Swapping out incandescent bulbs for LEDs
- Installing a smart thermostat
- Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances
- Unplugging devices you don’t use
Efficiency isn’t as glamorous as solar panels, but it amplifies their impact.
10. Support Local, Support Clean
Finally, remember that clean energy is a community project. When your local coffee shop signs up for community solar, or your neighbor installs a heat pump, it ripples outward. Support businesses and organizations that are leaning into the transition.
The more we normalize clean energy, the faster it becomes default.
Spring Cleaning as a Reminder of Hope
Spring is a reminder that change — real, tangible, hopeful change — is possible. The trees bud. The air warms. And the sun does its work.
Let’s do ours too. Whether it’s telling a neighbor about community solar, calling a senator, or switching out your lightbulbs, every action helps. Clean energy isn’t just a technology. It’s a movement.
And this spring, it starts with you.
