The effect of residential solar on energy insecurity among low- to moderate-income households

Madeline Yozwiak (), Galen Barbose, Sanya Carley, Sydney P. Forrester, David M. Konisky, Trevor Memmott, Cristina Crespo Montañés and Eric O’Shaughnessy
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Madeline Yozwiak: Indiana University
Galen Barbose: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Sanya Carley: University of Pennsylvania
Sydney P. Forrester: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
David M. Konisky: Indiana University
Trevor Memmott: University of Massachusetts Boston
Cristina Crespo Montañés: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Eric O’Shaughnessy: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Nature Energy, 2025, vol. 10, issue 5, 569-580

Abstract: Abstract Each year, millions of Americans experience energy insecurity, or the inability to afford enough energy to meet their basic needs. This study evaluates whether residential rooftop solar can serve as a preventative solution to energy insecurity among low- to moderate-income households. Using a national, matched sample of solar and non-solar households based on detailed and address-specific data, we find that solar leads to large, robust and salient reductions in five indicators of energy insecurity. Moreover, the benefits of solar ‘spill over’ to improve a household’s ability to pay other energy bills. The results suggest that rooftop solar may be an effective tool for policymakers who seek to reduce energy insecurity.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01730-y

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