At PureSky Energy, we believe clean energy should be accessible to everyone — not just those who can afford to put solar panels on their rooftops. That’s why since 2018, we've been dedicated to serving low-to-moderate income (LMI) households through state-sponsored community solar programs. Our mission is simple: help lower energy costs for those who need it most while expanding access to renewable power.
A Growing Commitment to Delivering Solar to Low-to-Moderate Income Communities
Currently, PureSky manages nearly 18 MWdc of LMI capacity across 18 community solar projects in New York and Massachusetts. This represents 12% of our total operating capacity, a number that is expected to grow significantly as new projects come online in 2025 and beyond. We’re not driven by program incentives alone — especially in Massachusetts, where our support of LMI subscribers is entirely voluntary and not linked to any specific subsidy.
While Massachusetts does have the Low-Income Community Shared Solar (LICSS) program, which mandates that 50% of a project’s capacity be allocated to low-income subscribers, we’re only just beginning to engage with this structure. Several upcoming projects are expected to qualify for LICSS, which will further increase our impact in the state.
Illinois: Building for Equity with Illinois Solar for All
In Illinois, we’re proud to be constructing a 2 MW community solar farm through the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program. The McLean Solar I community solar farm, located in McLean County, will serve approximately 440 low- to moderate-income Ameren customers by providing substantial savings directly on their electricity bills.
Key Highlights of the McClean Solar I:
- Billing Model: Consolidated — credits and discounts applied directly to utility bills.
- Customer Impact: 50% discount on community solar credits, reducing total monthly charges.
- Estimated 30-Year Savings: Over $5.4 million
- Expected to Go Live: Fall 2025
- Target Customers: 100% Low-Income subscribers, no anchor tenants
New York: A Leader in Inclusive Solar Programs
New York is home to some of the most robust community solar programs for LMI households, and we’ve been active participants across all key initiatives:
Legacy Solar for All (SFA)
In this long-standing NYSERDA initiative, eligible residents receive full-value community solar credits applied directly to their utility bills — with no cost to the subscriber. NYSERDA pays providers like PureSky on behalf of customers.
- Example Project: Grand Island Solar, LLC
- 47.37% of project capacity allocated to LMI subscribers.
Expanded Solar for All (ESFA)
This program partners with National Grid and serves customers enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program (EAP). Credits are pooled and distributed evenly, offering $5–$10/month in bill savings for over 164,000 eligible households.
Participating Projects:
- Green Dale – ~1,452 households/year
- Tamarac – ~1,333 households/year
- Clover Meadow – ~1,396 households/year
- Spartan – >1,000 households/year
Statewide Solar for All (SSFA)
SSFA is similar to ESFA but expands eligibility across all utility territories. PureSky has four projects in the NYSEG service area currently under development.
- Caroline - O76 I–IV LLC
Inclusive Community Solar Adder (ICSA)
ICSA supports projects that dedicate at least 60% of capacity to LMI households, with a minimum of 50% residential participation. PureSky manages two such projects:
BWBP Sand Brook Solar, LLC- ~813 households served
- Estimated 30-year LMI savings: $2.36 million
- ~822 households served
Subscribers in these projects receive a 10% discount on community solar credits, similar to our standard New York offer.
What’s Next for Accessible Solar?
As state programs continue to evolve, PureSky is committed to growing our LMI portfolio and creating more opportunities for income-qualified households to participate in — and benefit from — the clean energy transition. With new LICSS-qualified projects in Massachusetts, expanding ILSFA participation in Illinois, and continued leadership in New York’s diverse solar landscape, we're scaling impact where it matters most.
Because at PureSky, we believe that clean energy isn’t just about reducing emissions — it’s about building a fairer energy future for all.
