Friends of Nunatak:

Equitable Solar Solutions & Western Solar Society

Our work in the community does not stand alone. Over the past few years, a number of organizations and initiatives have made tracks in promoting solar education and energy justice.

Equitable Solar Solutions (ESS), part of Coldharbour Institute, works to bring affordable renewable energy to the low-income residents of our valley through a donation-based system of re-using existing solar panels. This promotes justice by removing the barriers that prevent our low-income neighbors from accessing clean, affordable energy. Further, it mitigates the amount of solar panels in that prematurely end up in landfills, those which still hold tremendous value despite having already lived a good, power-producing life. Often, the newly formed Western Solar Society (WSS), a Western Colorado University student group, provides labor for these projects and, in exchange, gives students meaningful experiences installing solar arrays. The experiences are highly educational and help young students actualize career pathways in solar while working towards shaping a better, more resilient community.

We provide seasoned, professional, certified installers to train volunteers and oversee these initiatives.