Innovative Pathways to Developing Solar+Storage in Low-Income Communities: Norfolk Solar’s Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund

September 10, 2020 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

This webinar, presented by Clean Energy Group, showcased Norfolk Solar and the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) Fund formed to advance renewable energy generation, storage, and racial equity in low-income communities in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

The presentation  included an overview of:

  • What a QOZ Fund is and how Norfolk Solar operates within their QOZ, including financial structures, accomplishments, obstacles to project development, and opportunities for program expansion
  • Solar and solar+storage projects, both planned and completed, by Norfolk Solar on businesses, non-profits and residences
  • Local workforce development efforts to hire and train residents of the QOZ as solar installers, which has led to the first solar installers of color working in Hampton Roads, Virginia
  • How to replicate the QOZ model nationwide

Presenter: Ruth McElroy Amundsen, Founder, Norfolk Solar QOZ Fund LLC

Moderator: Marriele Mango, Project Director, Clean Energy Group