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Case Study

CER x Humans at Help: Powering Communities Through Solar Savings and Sustainability

Humans at Help Foundation partners with Clean Earth Renewables to deliver $8,500 in monthly savings and 5,103 tons of CO₂ reduction to 59 low-to-moderate income households in Skokie-Evanston.

David Emsheimer

CEO & Founder

Oct 09, 2025
8 min read
CER x Humans at Help: Powering Communities Through Solar Savings and Sustainability

In the heart of the greater Skokie-Evanston area, the Humans at Help Foundation (HAHF) has long been committed to one mission: creating opportunities for success among low-to-moderate income residents so they can thrive. Now, through a powerful new partnership with Clean Earth Renewables (CER) and Solstice, HAHF is combining humanitarian action with clean energy to deliver both economic and environmental impact to local households.

Bringing Community Solar to Those Who Need It Most

Community solar is revolutionizing access to clean energy. Unlike traditional rooftop solar, participants do not need to purchase or install panels. Instead, their electricity consumption is matched at a local community solar project, and they enjoy up to 20% off their monthly electric bills through on-utility bill credits.

For HAHF, this model offered a perfect solution: empowering residents while reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions—at no cost to participants.

Unlocking Savings and Sustainability

Through its community action campaign, HAHF partnered with CER x Solstice to unlock $8,500 in monthly savings for 59 low-to-moderate income households across Evanston and Skokie. These savings are generated through on-bill credits from their community solar subscriptions, providing tangible financial relief while supporting clean energy adoption.

In addition, HAHF's campaign has raised $1,475 through local outreach, awareness-building, and enrollment assistance—an effort that lays the groundwork for scaling the initiative to 500 residents by the end of 2025.

Environmental Impact at the Community Level

The campaign goes beyond financial benefits. By matching subscribers' annual electricity consumption at local solar projects, HAHF has delivered 386,000 kWh of renewable energy annually over the life of the 15-year subscriptions.

The result? A dramatic reduction in emissions: 5,103 tons of carbon dioxide avoided, a measurable step toward a greener, healthier community. HAHF's efforts are a prime example of how localized community solar programs can tackle Scope 2 emissions while directly benefiting households that need it most.

A Campaign with a Vision

HAHF's collaboration with CER x Solstice is more than an energy program—it's a community action campaign. By spreading awareness, providing local education, and assisting residents with enrollment, HAHF is empowering individuals to make decisions that lower energy costs and environmental impact.

The campaign demonstrates that clean energy can be inclusive, equitable, and accessible, offering a blueprint for other nonprofits and municipalities to follow.

Scaling for Greater Impact

With a target of reaching 500 local residents by the end of 2025, the HAHF community solar campaign shows how small-scale programs can grow into transformative initiatives. Every new subscriber expands the environmental and economic benefits—lowering emissions, reducing electricity bills, and keeping clean energy dollars circulating in local communities.

Community Solar by the Numbers

Impact So Far

Residents Reached: 59
Monthly Electricity Savings: $8,500
Funds Raised via Campaign: $1,475
Annual Renewable Energy: 386,000 kWh
Carbon Dioxide Avoided: 5,103 tons
Project Duration: 15 years

Target for 2025: 500 residents

How It Works

  • Residents' electricity consumption is matched at local community solar projects
  • Participants enjoy up to 20% savings on their monthly electric bills
  • Solar energy is generated locally and delivered to the utility grid, benefiting the entire community
  • No installation or upfront costs required for households

Community Benefits

  • Economic Relief: Reduces electricity bills for households that need it most
  • Environmental Impact: Avoids thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions
  • Education & Awareness: Campaign spreads knowledge about clean energy and sustainable practices

Scaling for Greater Change

HAHF aims to reach 500 residents by the end of 2025, expanding both the financial and environmental benefits of community solar. Each new subscriber helps:

  • Lower Scope 2 emissions in the community
  • Provide residents with direct electricity savings
  • Strengthen local economic resilience through renewable energy infrastructure

How You Can Get Involved

To learn how your community can lower Scope 2 emissions and electricity costs at no risk, connect with a CER x Solstice representative today. By leveraging the power of community solar, local organizations and residents alike can enjoy financial savings, renewable energy, and a tangible impact on climate change.

"Clean energy is not just about technology—it's about empowering people, strengthening communities, and creating a sustainable future."

HAHF's partnership with CER x Solstice is proof that clean energy is not just about technology—it's about empowering people, strengthening communities, and creating a sustainable future.

Humans at Help FoundationCommunity SolarNon-ProfitSkokieEvanstonLow Income

About David Emsheimer

David Emsheimer is the founder and CEO of Clean Earth Renewables, with over 10 years of experience in renewable energy development.

CER x Humans at Help: Powering Communities Through Solar Savings and Sustainability | Clean Earth Renewables