ABOUT GROUNDSWELL
Groundswell builds community power to increase local resilience for everyone and cut electricity bills in half for our neighbors who need savings the most. We’re on track to deliver more than $29 million in annual energy savings to 36,000 households and deploy more than 40 resilience hub projects across 12 states by 2030.
Community Development with Clean Energy.
We use community solar, resilience hubs, and residential energy efficiency to preserve affordable housing, strengthen the grid, and support local economic development.
Leveraging Data and Ethical AI to Scale Results.
We connect people with projects through our data platform to deliver sustainable, measurable results.
People-Focused and Place-Based.
Founded in 2009, Groundswell joyfully serves rural, small-town, and urban communities in the Heartland, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast with programs tailored to local priorities and supported by governance structures that keep us accountable to the people we serve.
From Demonstration to Transformation.
We deliver tangible projects that build momentum towards operationally sustainable programs that deliver bill savings and improved resilience.
OUR IMPACT/WHERE WE WORK
Groundswell by the Numbers
7,800
Households
Served directly through Groundswell programs.
$3.9M
Savings
Annual energy savings realized by participating households.
$1.04M
Invested
Directly into income-qualified households through home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades.
13 Community Resilience
Hubs
Constructed or in development in 3 states.
OUR PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
Community Resilience Hubs
Energy Efficiency with SOUL®
Southeast Rural Power
Groundswell’s Southeast Rural Power program is a commitment to energy affordability and community resilience in rural America. By partnering with local utilities, we’re building resilience hubs, community solar, energy-efficient home upgrades, workforce training, and small business support, investing in stronger, more self-reliant communities.
Community Solar
Community Solar Groundswell’s community solar projects make energy work for everyone, without having to put panels on your roof. We bring the benefits home by cutting electricity bills, hiring local workers, and making sure savings and support stay in the community.
SolMate Data Platform
SolMate is Groundswell’s smart, easy-to-use platform that helps connect families to energy savings—fast. Built to support community energy programs, SolMate uses AI to cut through red tape, simplify enrollment, and make sure savings reach the people who need them most.
Rural Renaissance Roadshow
Groundswell’s Rural Renaissance Roadshow brings rural leaders together to spark ideas, build partnerships, and bring real resources home. It’s where communities connect, learn, and take action, turning inspiration into stronger, more resilient local futures.
BUILDING COMMUNITY POWER, TODAY & TOMORROW
Serving rural, small-town, and urban communities across 12 states in the Heartland, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast.
Heartland
Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Newsletter
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LATEST NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
The Groundswell Way Podcast Launches
We’re excited to announce the launch of The Groundswell Way podcast, a new series that explores what resilience means for communities across the country, and how neighbors are coming together to co-create solutions that work.
You’re Invited!
This fall, rural leaders from across the country will gather in Opelika, Alabama, for an unforgettable experience of connection, collaboration, and community power. The 2025 Rural Renaissance Roadshow, hosted by Groundswell, is more than a conference – it’s a catalyst for action. Join more than 200 local leaders working to design resilient futures rooted in local leadership and lasting impact.
What do a Farmer, an Investment Banker, and a Former Diplomat Have in Common?
Quite a lot, as it turns out, including a resolute commitment to rebuild Rural America, which they’ll explore together as the lunchtime keynote panel at this year’s Roadshow...
CEO Update: SE Rural Power Solar for All, Standing Firm
As many of you may be aware, on the evening of Thursday, August 7, EPA sent out termination letters to all 60 awardees of the national Solar for All initiative. This included Groundswell’s fully contracted and obligated award for our Southeast Rural Power Program, which serves more than 17,000 hardworking families across our region who would each enjoy more than $1,000 per year in electricity bill savings from the projects we have on deck to build...
Westside Resilience Corridor Launched to Strengthen Community, Increase Energy Efficiency and Expand Energy Access
Today, four Southwest Atlanta Churches – West Hunter Street Baptist, Providence Missionary Baptist, Community Church Atlanta and the Vicars Community Center, and Atlanta Good Shepherd Community Church – announce the launch of the Westside Resilience Corridor to strengthen community resilience in Westside Atlanta by aligning their ministries and partnering with Groundswell, with support from Georgia Power, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), and the City of Atlanta to increase energy efficiency, enhance housing quality, expand energy affordability, implement workforce development and build additional resilience hubs at Corridor churches with solar + storage infrastructure.
SolMate: Repealing The Complexity Tax
SolMate is on a mission to Repeal the Complexity Tax, the red tape and inefficiency blocking progress and eroding trust in programs that impact 125 million people across 50 million U.S. households. By using data and AI to simplify, streamline, and scale income-qualified energy programs, SolMate unlocks a stronger, smarter, more prosperous America.
Rural Renaissance Roadshow Coming to Opelika, AL November 10-12
The 2025 Rural Renaissance Roadshow is coming to Opelika, Alabama, November 10-12, bringing together more than 200 local leaders from across the nation focused on rural resilience in energy, food, water, and healthy housing systems. Andrew Freear, Director of Auburn University’s acclaimed Rural Studio, will kick off the conference with an opening keynote address on resilience by design – the theme of this year’s Roadshow...