The Problem
The problem we want to fix is unequal access to affordable renewable energy in Dallas, where low-income and historically marginalized communities face disproportionate energy costs. A 2020 analysis by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that 19% of Dallas-area households, approximately 483,475 households, spent more than 6% of their income on home energy, while 8%, or 216,838 households, spent more than 10%. Low-income households faced a median energy burden of 6.7%, compared with just 2.4% for higher-income households. Meanwhile, the upfront cost of solar technology can prevent families from benefiting from long-term electricity savings. One Sun Solar Initiative seeks to address these inequities by developing affordable, resource-efficient solar technologies and working toward making clean energy solutions accessible to underserved Dallas communities.