Highlights Community Action Works Solar Work in North Carolina 2026
Community Action Works along with Environment North Carolina, Research and Policy Center create “Solar Organizing Playbook”
Rooftop solar is good for the environment and consumers. It reduces our dependence on polluting fuels and eases strain on the grid during periods of high demand. Rooftop solar, especially when coupled with energy storage, can increase resilience to threats like extreme weather – all at steadily falling costs.
A quarter of all North Carolinians live in a home governed by an homeowner’s association (HOA). Which have presented challenges for homeowners who are pursuing solar.
The toolkit aims to equip community members with a step-by-step organizing plan to overcome restrictive HOA solar policies. Check out the toolkit here.
A highlight from the toolkit was including a powerful case study from a resident, Jack Gerdeman who lives in Holly Springs, North Carolina, who wanted to put solar on his home to reduce his contribution to carbon emissions. Pictured above, Joyce Fang, Community Organizer, Community Action Works (right), Sam Hartz, Solar Strong Associate, Environment North Carolina (middle), toured Jack’s (left) home to hear and document his story on he ran into challenges from his HOA that prevented him from installing solar panels on his roof. Jack built support from his neighbors. Eventually, because of the support Jack built, they were able to overturn the HOA’s restrictions and helped grow solar in the neighborhood.
Solar Tour at Burkett Farm (pictured above) We joined Environment North Carolina at Burkett Farm for an exciting solar tour, exploring opportunities for energy resiliency and sustainable agriculture on farms.
North Carolina Community Organizing Summit 2026 We gathered 15 students, advocates, and community leaders working to grow renewable energy across the state for a day of workshops, networking, and panels to get trained in the grassroots organizing skills to build a cleaner, greener future.
Steph Gans, Assistant Director, Clean Water for North Carolina (middle), presenting on the Lay of the land panel, going over the current state of solar energy in North Carolina. We were joined by speakers, Hannah Budds, Policy Analyst, NC Sustainable Energy Association (pictured second to the left) and Sam Hartz, Solar Strong Advocate, Environment North Carolina (pictured right).
Elly Wilson, Director, Environment Virgina presenting on the How to Talk to your legislators workshop.
We also had other great workshops such as
- the Navigating Local Processes Workshop led by Ted Spencer, Southeast Community Outreach Director, Center for Energy Education.
- Campaign Storytelling workshop led by Sarah Eckstein, President, NCPIRG Students at UNC Chapel Hill
- And a Campaign planning workshop led by Joyce Fang, Community Organizer, Community Action Works.
