McKenzie Bolduc of Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) On How They Are Creating Renewable Energy
An Interview With Martita Mestey
Never Go It Alone — Coalition-building is crucial. We work with environmental justice groups, utilities, consumer advocates, and national trade allies to keep advancing the vision of clean, local energy for all.
As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the shift towards renewable energy has never been more critical. Innovative companies are at the forefront of this transformation, developing sustainable energy solutions that reduce carbon footprints and promote a greener future. How are these companies driving the renewable energy revolution, and what impact are they making on the environment and the economy? As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing McKenzie Bolduc.
In 2012, while pursuing her graduate degree in Sustainable Development, McKenzie had a chance meeting with a clean energy leader in Boulder, CO, a meeting that proved pivotal in her career. The industry’s commitment to innovative solutions immediately captivated her, and have continued to do so. Since that time, McKenzie has worked with several companies whose mission is to make clean energy accessible to every person and business in the United States. Currently, McKenzie serves as the Vice President of Operations of a national trade association, the Coalition for Community Solar Access, which advocates for the solar industry focusing on small-scale solar and storage projects. Learn more about her ongoing work and the clean energy industry at the upcoming Annual Summit hosted by the Coalition for Community Solar Access.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in Denver, CO, as the youngest of three. Our family’s flight training school at the local airport provided the backdrop for our childhood. We spent countless hours with aspiring pilots and I gained valuable business experience directly managing the airport’s pilot shop. Though I loved flying, my drive to help others led me to the Peace Corps after college. Serving in Vanuatu as a business advisor for a small cocoa farmers cooperative, I witnessed the critical importance of clean, reliable energy to the farmers and their families. After moving back to Colorado in 2012, I decided to pursue a career in clean energy.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I vividly recall being profoundly inspired by a woman leading conversations in the energy sector through her weekly podcast — she seemed almost larger than life. Fast forward a few years, and I now collaborate with her on various initiatives. This has served as a powerful reminder that we are all individuals driven by a shared purpose.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
We are constantly evolving our model policies and member services to meet the moment. I think the most exciting part of working with CCSA is my exposure to so many inspiring people working in the industry — these are the most hardworking, bright and passionate people I could imagine. Working on the events where we bring everyone together to design the future of the electric grid is nothing short of invigorating.
Ok super. Thank you for all that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. What innovative technologies are you implementing to enhance renewable energy production?
CCSA advocates for community solar programs that are increasingly paired with cutting-edge technologies like battery storage. These technologies allow for more efficient dispatch of solar energy, improved grid reliability, and enhanced consumer savings.
How do you balance economic viability with environmental responsibility in your renewable energy projects?
Community solar does both. Our projects are privately financed, deliver guaranteed savings to subscribers, and reduce grid reliance on fossil fuels — proving that environmental responsibility and economic benefits can go hand in hand.
What are the biggest challenges your company faces in the renewable energy sector, and how are you addressing them?
Our biggest challenge is outdated utility-driven regulatory structures that limit access to distributed solar. We’re tackling this through state-level policy advocacy, public education campaigns, and coalition-building with industry, consumer, and environmental partners.
How do your renewable energy solutions contribute to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change?
Community solar connects more people to renewable energy without requiring them to install panels. The more homes and businesses we transition to solar, the more emissions we avoid — and it’s happening at scale. Over 8.6 GW of community solar has been installed across the U.S., much of it replacing fossil fuel-based power.
Can you share a success story where your renewable energy initiative significantly impacted a community or industry?
Illinois is a standout example. Through smart legislation and implementation, Illinois has created one of the country’s most successful community solar programs — delivering lower bills to families, empowering rural landowners, and attracting massive private investment. In 2024, it became the fourth-ranked state for installed solar capacity.
Ok, thank you. Here is the main question of our interview. What are “5 Things You Need to Know to Create a Successful Renewable Energy Business” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
1 . Policy is Power — Sound policy creates stable, scalable markets. CCSA’s early advocacy in Colorado laid the groundwork for successful community solar programs across the country.
2 . Know Your Customer — Design programs with real people in mind. Our subscriber-first approach (renters, LMI households, small businesses) has built deep public support and trust.
3 . Public-Private Partnerships Work — Collaboration between state leaders and private developers unlocks innovation and funding. Our members have invested billions in local economies thanks to well-designed policies.
4 . Build for Scale and Flexibility — Community solar allows for modular development, adaptable across urban and rural areas. This flexibility has enabled us to expand quickly in new and existing markets.
5 . Never Go It Alone — Coalition-building is crucial. We work with environmental justice groups, utilities, consumer advocates, and national trade allies to keep advancing the vision of clean, local energy for all.
What are the long-term goals for your company’s renewable energy projects?
Our goal is to bring community solar access to every state, enabling all Americans to participate in the clean energy economy regardless of income or homeownership status. This includes expanding community solar’s footprint and integrating DERs like storage and demand flexibility.
How do you engage with and educate the public about the benefits of renewable energy?
We lead national and state-based campaigns like Our Sun. Our Power. that engage the public through digital advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and targeted storytelling featuring real customers and landowners.
How do you measure the environmental and social impact of your renewable energy efforts?
We work with partners and third-party researchers to quantify economic, social, and environmental benefits — including carbon reductions, job creation, and subscriber bill savings. These studies help shape better policy and demonstrate the value of our work to regulators and lawmakers.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I start each day with the powerful words framed on my desk: “Give yourself permission to live a big life. Step into who you are meant to be. Stop playing small. You’re meant for greater things.” This drives me to aim high, yet I also operate by the principle that every task, no matter how small, and every step, no matter how incremental, is valuable when it moves us forward. Ultimately, I’ve learned that it’s not just about working hard, greatness comes with the willingness to work on the hard things.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Follow us on our LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and of course, YouTube to stay updated with the latest news on the development of solar energy and access to sustainable power.
This was very inspiring and informative. Thank you so much for the time you spent with this interview!
About The Interviewer: Martita Mestey is celebrated as a leader in sustainable agriculture and AgTech due to her tireless efforts to modernize the industry, placing a strong emphasis on equity and sustainability. As the founder of FarmdOut, her commitment to harnessing advanced technology and substantiated research shines through her endeavors to confront ecological issues within contemporary agriculture. Guided by Mestey, FarmdOut has become a pioneer in mapping all farms across the United States and Puerto Rico. By leveraging satellite imagery, computer vision, sensor technology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this initiative yields comprehensive data that empowers farmers to make informed decisions about crop cultivation, land use, and sustainable practices. Mestey is renowned for championing the welfare of farmers, frequently addressing issues of burnout while fostering resilience within the farming community. Her fervor for cultivating the next generation of farmers is evident in her focus on diversity, innovation, and eco-friendly practices. In addition to her hands-on work with FarmdOut, Mestey also disseminates her knowledge and enthusiasm via her popular interview series in Authority Magazine. This initiative stimulates broader engagement in the transition towards a healthier, more sustainable food system. At its core, Mestey’s mission is to promote a more democratic agricultural industry, advocating for a food system that is simultaneously sustainable and equitable.
McKenzie Bolduc of Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) On How They Are Creating Renewable… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.