About Us

The SunShares model, originally called Solarize, started in Portland, Oregon, under a U.S. Department of Energy Solar America Communities Program in 2009. San Jose was the first city to pilot this group-buy model in the Bay Area in 2009. Several cities across the Bay started similar programs, and the model as it’s known now, with one organization running it for the whole region with the help of several outreach partners, started in 2012. The Business Council on Climate Change took over the program in 2016 and has grown it into the widely-recognized and trusted program it is today. Act Now Bay Area took it over in 2025 and has plans to expand the program even more.

SunShares aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging and accelerating the adoption of alternatives to grid energy and fossil fuels. By working directly with vetted contractors, the program offers more affordable solar and battery storage installations for residential property owners. This ensures energy resilience and independence, energy cost savings, and allows property owners to “own their energy”.

Our main goal is to provide education to residents through our website and public webinars. While residential property owners are eligible for the discount, we also provide clean energy options to renters, including opting up to 100% renewable energy (which every household in the Bay Area can do!). We provide information on the benefits of solar and storage, CPUC/NEM rulings, additional incentives that can stack with our discount, and additional electrification options. We’re always looking to improve our education and outreach, and take note of questions that come up during webinars to add to our website and outreach materials.