David Wright

David Wright is the Vice President of Energy Programs at Groundswell, a nonprofit that builds community power through equitable community solar projects and resilience centers, clean energy programs that reduce energy burdens, and pioneering research initiatives that help light the way to clean energy futures for all. His commitment to the vision of clean energy for all people is driven by his view of solar as a vehicle for driving “bottom-up” change toward both a cleaner environment and a more equitable society.

David brings a strong grounding in sustainable buildings and green infrastructure to the Groundswell team. With more than 15 years of experience across the green building sector, he also brings significant program management experience and technical communication skills to the Groundswell team, which he uses to work with engineers, installers, and finance professionals to deliver solar projects within low and moderate-income communities.

Prior to joining Groundswell, David advised federal government agencies on energy and water efficiency issues. By authoring sustainability plans for these agencies, his work strengthened the resilience of federal buildings to the effects of climate change. David is an expert in greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting protocols, having developed some of the first GHG emission inventories for the U.S. federal government. He also served as a Technical Reviewer for a major World Resources Institute report on GHG emissions accounting in the U.S. public sector.

David earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Middlebury College. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and a NABCEP PV Associate.

5 Articles

  • On Building Community Power
    In August, Groundswell, along with our friends at Pepco, the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Green Bank, Sunlight General Capital, SunCatch Energy, and local officials celebrated the installation of solar panels at Paddington Square Apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland.
  • A New Day in Baltimore: From Solar Power to Economic Empowerment
    The Empowerment Temple is a renowned community anchor that serves both as a place of worship and a force for local economic development. Under the vision of Pastor Jamal Bryant, The Economic
  • Community Solar in Maryland: What's Next?
    Groundswell's David Wright breaks down the latest updates from the Maryland Public Service Commission regarding community solar.
  • My Road to Groundswell: Meet Dave
    It’s no secret that we are facing vast and complex problems in the world today--among them overpopulation, deforestation, food security, dwindling clean water supplies, growing economic disparity, and increasingly tangible impacts of a changing climate. All of this can be overwhelming, and let’s be honest: who among us hasn’t doubted our own ability to effect any meaningful change in the face of these massive challenges? It’s perfectly normal to have these thoughts, but the important thing, at the end of the day, is to put them aside and get to work. To quote the anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”