Posted on August 11, 2011 by Sean Patrick

Well, it’s been an interesting summer.

As a brand new Solar and Energy Efficiency “Benefit Corporation (legally defined),” we’ve been working hard to marry our “cause” side with our “business” side.  We are excited to announce a new (but related) direction for Million Monarchs as we leave the residential solar market (read about our residential installation here):

Million Monarchs is passionate about taking entire communities “off the grid” (to net zero status).  As a result, we will continue to provide free solar consulting to homeowners interested in solar power, but Million Monarchs will now focus primarily on developing what we call “Collaborative Solar” projects.

What is Collaborative Solar?
We define Collaborative Solar as a set of Community Focused, Creative strategies that generate funds and public support for the transformation of “Community Pillars” into safe, independent energy producers.  Who are these “Community Pillars?”  The nonprofits, schools, libraries, local businesses and social services that anchor our communities and yet remain least able to empower themselves with renewable energy investments.

Why is this needed?
As energy prices rise, our economy will continue to struggle in its traditional form.  Nonprofits, social services, schools, libraries, small businesses, etc. will see large increases in their operating costs putting massive strain on programming and services.  At the same time, grants, donations, purchases and other funding sources will be more difficult to come by as economic hardship spreads (during our “transition period”).  We call this the “Nonprofit (and small business) Squeeze Scenario,” and it could cripple our community resources just when we need them the most.

Now instead imagine these same community buildings draped in clean, sparkling solar modules as our energy crisis deepens.   Empowered with healthy, safe solar power, these Community Pillars are now churning out power and reducing their cost of operation, all while easing their environmental impact as well.   Could this make the difference between a vibrant, resilient community and a collapsing one?

With your help, we aim to find out.  But this kind of work won’t be easy – it’s going to take every one of us to pull it off.   Please sign up here for more information and to stay involved in what we see as an exciting and challenging adventure.

Please Sign Up Today.  And Thank You!