Unleashing Solar Potential: The Shungnak-Kobuk Community Solar Project
The National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP) is a groundbreaking initiative under the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). It brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders united in their mission to democratize access to affordable community solar for every household across the United States. NCSP’s vision encompasses a myriad of meaningful benefits, including empowering communities with greater household savings, ensuring low- to moderate-income (LMI) households have equal opportunities, fostering increased resilience, promoting community ownership, and advancing equitable workforce development. With an ambitious goal, NCSP aims to enable community solar to power the equivalent of 5 million households by 2025, generating a cumulative $1 billion in energy bill savings.
The Sunny Awards, launched in 2022, stand as a testament to NCSP’s commitment to recognizing excellence in the realm of community solar projects and programs. These awards specifically highlight initiatives that exemplify best practices in enhancing equitable access to the transformative benefits of community solar for subscribers and their respective communities. Meaningful benefits, a core focus of community solar development, offer a multitude of positive impacts that extend beyond individual households and extend their influence to organizations and surrounding communities.
Project Overview:
Project Name: Shungnak-Kobuk Community Solar Independent Power Producer
Location: Shungnak, Alaska
Project Size: 223 kW
Project Subscribers: Not specified
Year Energized: 2021
Lead Organization: Northwest Arctic Borough
Partner Organizations: NANA Regional Corporation, Deerstone Consulting, Alaska Native Renewable Industries, Native Village of Shungnak, Native Village of Kobuk
Business Model: Community-owned by the Native Villages of Shungnak and Kobuk, functioning as one independent power producer
State Incentives Leveraged: Not applicable
Bill Savings: Not applicable
LMI Access: Not applicable
The Shungnak-Kobuk Community Solar Independent Power Producer is an inspiring endeavor taking root in the heart of Shungnak, Alaska. With a capacity of 223 kW, this groundbreaking project represents a unified effort by the Native Villages of Shungnak and Kobuk, functioning together as a community-owned independent power producer.
Energized in 2021 and spearheaded by the Northwest Arctic Borough, the Shungnak-Kobuk Community Solar project stands as a shining example of collaboration and cooperation among partner organizations, including the NANA Regional Corporation, Deerstone Consulting, Alaska Native Renewable Industries, and the Native Village of Shungnak and Kobuk.
While the project’s specific subscriber details, bill savings, and LMI access are not specified, its mere existence demonstrates a collective commitment to harnessing the potential of solar energy for the benefit of the local community.
As we look to the future, the Shungnak-Kobuk Community Solar Independent Power Producer serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring communities nationwide to embrace the transformative power of renewable energy and take ownership of their energy future.
