In a strategic collaboration to accelerate the adoption of residential solar energy, EnergySage, announced its partnership with Third Act, a grassroots climate and democracy organization mobilizing older Americans as volunteers and activists, founded by environmentalist Bill McKibben. The partnership is designed to make rooftop solar more accessible, affordable and understandable for homeowners across the country.
“We know local solar is smarter solar — but myths still persist,” said McKibben. “Solar power works — we now have states and countries proving every day that you can run modern economies on power from the sun and wind, and the batteries to store their power when the sun goes down or the wind drops. Solar power is now cheap — in fact, it’s the cheapest power we’ve ever seen on this earth, and getting cheaper by the month. But there’s a third reason to be excited about solar energy — it’s profoundly liberating and enhances local democracy by decentralizing power and returning it to citizens. It can stabilize the grid during climate disasters, lower energy bills and cut pollution in the communities that need relief most. With this partnership, we’re making it easier than ever for people to take their power back — literally.”
To kick off the partnership, EnergySage and Third Act will host a free “Go Solar in 2025! Your Questions Answered” webinar designed to demystify the solar process and empower participants with knowledge about costs, savings, installation and incentives.
The webinar will be held on Tuesday, July 15 at 3 p.m. ET, and feature clean energy experts and a live Q&A to help you personally navigate the process and overcome obstacles to implementing solar energy at your own home. With Congress poised to eliminate the 30% solar tax credit in 2026, the best time to go solar is now. Register here.
Through this partnership, homeowners can:
- Answer a few basic questions to determine if their home is suitable for solar.
- Receive multiple quotes from vetted local installers.
- Access personalized support from an EnergySage Energy Advisor — like a solar version of a healthcare navigator—to guide them through the process.
“Third Act has a unique and powerful voice in the climate movement, particularly among older Americans who want to leave a better world behind,” said Charlie Hadlow, President and COO of EnergySage. “We’re proud to support their mission by offering trustworthy tools and expert guidance to help people take real climate action at home — while also uplifting communities on the frontlines of the crisis.”
This initiative is part of Third Act’s larger movement leading up to Sun Day, a nationwide mobilization for renewable energy culminating in a dynamic day of action, art, culture and public participation in towns and cities all over the country on September 21, 2025.
News item from EnergySage
“But there’s a third reason to be excited about solar energy — it’s profoundly liberating and enhances local democracy by decentralizing power and returning it to citizens.”
I see the claim and agree. The didactic is “democracy”, the reality is opening one’s big boy or big girl wallet and paying it forward for some semblance of energy independence. The counter is the Utility talking head, “IF your neighbor installs solar PV, your energy bill will go up.” What’s the ROI on “that” system? How many IOU utility rate increases pushed on bundled energy costs allowed for, “lost revenues” or “stranded assets” will the utility get over the next 10 years? The utility IRPs filed on average seem to point out electricity rates will increase 4.5% to 6.5% YOY until at least 2035. For the same energy use today a $200/month electric bill will cost from $290/month to $330/month by 2035. Over riding concept, when you remove the middleman from your daily energy use, YOU, save money. This is a marathon, not a sprint.