From Engagement to Equity: How PosiGen Builds Trust and Expands Solar Access in Urban Communities
On June 11, Julian Burnett, Senior Community Impact Manager at PosiGen, was invited to speak on a panel at the RE+ Mid-Atlantic conference, hosted at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia. The panel, entitled From Engagement to Equity: Co-Creating Community-Driven Energy Solutions, brought together industry leaders to talk about what it really takes to build lasting, equitable energy solutions—and how consistent, local engagement plays a pivotal role. As a Philly native and active community member, Julian has deep experience organizing community-based initiatives surrounding issues related to the environment, clean energy, and affordability in the Greater Philly area.
For PosiGen, community engagement isn’t a one-time initiative—it’s the foundation of everything we do. While many large-scale solar projects focus on rural areas and landowners to site solar farms or wind turbines, PosiGen’s work is different. We bring clean, affordable energy directly to individual homeowners in historically underserved urban neighborhoods.
Building Trust, One Conversation at a Time
During the panel, Julian answered the important question: “PosiGen often works in communities excluded from solar access. What does it take to build trust where utilities or developers have historically fallen short?”
Julian responded honestly:
“It takes time, patience, and education on solar. Philly residents are used to getting hassled and hustled, on top of everything else like caring for their families, paying bills, and just living day-to-day. Bad actors in the field have left a bad taste. That’s why our relationship with the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) provides reassurance and consumer protection. People know PosiGen is ‘the real deal.’”
That trust is earned, not assumed—and it’s the reason why we work so closely with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and local partners who already have relationships with the neighborhoods we serve.”
The Power of Storytelling and Local Presence
When asked about the role of storytelling and partnerships in driving solar adoption, Julian highlighted PosiGen’s unique, grassroots approach:
“The PosiGen Solar Journey starts before installation and continues long after. We build 25-year relationships with our customers. We stay in touch, hear their stories, and often turn their experiences into impact stories or case studies so others can see the impact PosiGen's solar systems are having on our customers. These same customers become our solar champions.”
From day one, PosiGen’s founders, Tom and Lisa Neyhart, understood the importance of meeting people where they are. After Hurricane Katrina, they hosted solar “Tupperware parties” in New Orleans—small, community-centered gatherings focused on education and transparency. That tradition continues today with Customer Block Parties, Appreciation Events, and Entertainment Giveaways that keep the lines of communication open.
For Julian, the most rewarding part of his job is hearing from long-time customers:
“I love talking to customers from 2 or 3 years ago. When they tell me their electric bill was $15.00, $11.50—or even $0.11—it lights up their faces. That kind of savings lets families do more and breathe easier, all while helping the environment.”*
*Savings results vary and may not be typical for your area.
