Namaste Solar leaned into its mission of creating holistic wealth for the community by developing Keep the Lights On Colorado (KTLOC), an annual community giving campaign that raised $53,000 for Coloradan households this fall. The campaign, now in its 5th year, raises funds to cover the cost of subscriptions to community solar gardens for low-income Coloradans, freeing up resources that families can reallocate toward other essential needs.
This year, the campaign exceeded its goal and will cover over 100 households receiving year-long solar subscriptions. This collaborative effort unites Colorado businesses, community members, and Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), a not-for-profit that distributes the support. Working in Colorado for over three decades, EOC has demonstrated its commitment to addressing energy insecurity on the Front Range.
Since this campaign’s inception, over $334,000 has been raised, enough to support over 900 Colorado households with year-long community solar subscriptions. These subscriptions utilize the cost-savings benefits of solar to create more impact for those in need while also investing in cleaner air and healthier communities statewide.
“Namaste Solar is a company where we put people first, and this includes the communities we live and work in,” said Jenna Stadsvold, Namaste Solar’s brand manager and driver behind KTLOC. “I’m proud of the impact we are able to create by coming together, through individuals and corporate sponsors, to help make energy more affordable and to make solar more equitable.”
Electricity is essential, yet the burden of high utility bills weighs heavily on many families, especially during the colder months. As electricity costs continue to rise, this funding helps low-income households afford their energy bills while providing them with access to clean, renewable energy. Since some households can’t afford the cost of installing a solar system on their roof or are renters, expanding the access to solar energy through this program is an essential part of building an equitable future that’s free from climate related risks.
“I appreciate the assistance you have so kindly helped me with,” said a recipient of the program. “It has been a blessing. Going through chemo and losing my companion of 25 years to dementia and COPD-4 has been a struggle. Without your help, I don’t know where I would be at this time.”
The campaign surpassed this year’s goal thanks to the help of these generous donors. Namaste’s premier-level sponsor for KTLOC 2024 was Greenbacker Capital, an investment company that connects individuals and institutions with investments in clean energy.
