How PosiGen Navigated Post-Katrina New Orleans to Build a Solar Success Story | Kyle Wallace

In this episode of Good Energy, Kyle Wallace, Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs for PosiGen, discusses his company’s work in making rooftop solar possible for low- and middle-income households in 15 states as well as the importance of federal and state incentives, which ensure American households can access the energy cost savings and structural resilience benefits that residential solar provides. 

Founded in 2011 in New Orleans, PosiGen got its start in redeveloping after Hurricane Katrina, helping especially low-income New Orleans residents install rooftop solar while simultaneously doing roofing and energy efficiency work. PosiGen evaluates potential customers based on the cost savings they may have by installing rooftop solar, helping households who may otherwise have too low a credit score. 

In April 2025, Wallace joined other SEIA members in Washington, D.C. to lobby Midwestern Members of Congress on the importance of solar for America’s energy mix. Wallace notes that PosiGen’s clientele are lower-income than the typical residential solar customer, making the stories he is able to share with policymakers especially compelling. His main messages while advocating are the importance of energy affordability, domestic manufacturing, and resilience, which is particularly relevant for households who may experience damage from hurricanes and other extreme weather. Research from PosiGen and Louisiana State University showed that homes with rooftop solar better withstood Hurricane Ida than homes without it. 

On the topic of energy tax incentives, Wallace notes how difficult it would be for PosiGen to continue delivering solar energy in low-income neighborhoods without these credits. The company has noticed a strong consumer demand for residential solar thanks to the cost savings and resilience it provides, and these federal incentives combined with state-level incentives help close the gap between solar supply and demand. Wallace believes that every state has a gap between consumer demand and availability of residential solar installation, which PosiGen can reach when more and more states develop solar incentive programs. 

From in-depth interviews with industry leaders to insightful discussions on the rapid growth of solar and storage in the United States, Good Energy connects you with the heartbeat of the solar industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the future of energy, tune in to stay informed and inspired about the bright future of solar. Listen to full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.