1

Power

to the PeopleRenewable Energy for

Underserved Communities

Conference Sponsor:

Networking Reception Sponsor:

CAREER CENTER

Image Credits: blueEnergy

Mary Biasotti

Regional Director, GRID Alternatives

April 22nd, 2010 Center for Science, Technology, and Society

Single-Family Solar Affordable Homes (SASH) Program

Mary Biasotti, Bay Area Regional Director

GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives’ mission is to empower communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training.

Non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

Licensed solar electrical contractor

Program Manager for

Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program

GRID Alternatives

Why Solar for Low-Income Families? Environment

Reduction of greenhouse gases

Environmental Justice Power plants often sited in low-income communities High rates of asthma

Economic High energy costs Significant savings

Over 1.8 million low-income owner-occupied households in CA

How Solar Saves Families $

PV modules convert sunlight into electricity Inverter turns DC power into AC power used by home Any excess electricity sent to the utility grid, homeowner

receives credits on bill System designed to offset 50-85% of homeowner’s needs

GRID Alternatives

Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

Energy Efficiency – Solar Savings

Size of PV system 3.3 kW

Electricity bill before solar $96.25 /month

Savings from switching rate schedule $0 /month

Savings from LIEE measures $24.57 /month

Savings from solar $64.56 /month

Electricity bill after solar $7.12 /month

Estimated solar savings over system lifetime $30,347

SASH (Single-Family Affordable

Solar Homes) Program

Funding from California Solar Initiative $2.16 Billion Program for Solar Rebates Paid for by

“rate payer $” 10% ($216 million) Set aside for ‘Low-Income’ Split halfway between Multifamily & Single-family

dwellings $108 Million/each for SASH & MASH CPUC is Program Administrator GRID Alternatives is Program Manager for SASH

SASH Eligibility

Homeowners – retrofit or new construction (developer carries cost until rebate)

Earning <80% Area Median Income (AMI) In Investor-Owned Utility Territory

PG&E SCE SDG&E

Home has a “resale restriction” on it

SASH Rebate

Federal Income Tax Liability

Low-Income Homeowners receiving CARE discount

Low-Income Homeowners not receiving CARE discount

$0 $7.00/W $5.75/W

$1-$1000 $6.50/W $5.25/W

$1001 + $6.00/W $4.75/W

Clients with <50% AMI may receive free, 1 kW PV-solar system Clients with <80% AMI receive variable incentive based on household tax liability and CARE participation

GRID Alternatives

Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

Existing Single Family Home

3.3 kW system Retail/ CSI GRID/ SASH Low

GRID/ SASH High

Cost of PV system $26,400 $22,117 $22,117

Rebate $5,115 $15,675 $23,100

Federal tax credit @30% $6,386 $1,933 $0

Net cost to homeowner $14,899 $4,509 $0

Payback period (solar savings) 19 years 5.7 years immediate

Gap funding for net cost: Local government (Rehab loan/grant, NSP, CDBG, EEBG), Corporate sponsors, equipment donation/discounts, grants)

GRID Alternatives

Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

•Very restrictive qualification criteria based (PU Code 2852)•For those homeowners that qualify – Amazing opportunity for substantially subsidized solar!•Local dollars are leveraged as high as 5:1•Low-income homeowner protection – Positive Cash Flow from Day 1•Includes energy efficiency•Homeowner education, engagement, and ownership•Green collar workforce development and community involvement

Single Family Affordable Solar Homes Rebate SASH – The Bad and the Very Good

GRID Alternatives

Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

Challenges with Homeowners

•General distrust and skepticism for outside programs

•Inexpensive energy efficiency measures and behavior changes can increase electricity bill savings substantially

•Homes often not solar ready (need roofs, electrical service upgrade)

•Financial strain and foreclosure climate make loans challenging

•Long term return on investment not a motivator, need day one positive cash flow

•Multi-lingual, multi-cultural marketing challenge

•HOAs and shared roofs

GRID Alternatives

Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

The Positives with Homeowners

Proportionally greater economic benefit•Low-income homeowners pay a greater % of take home pay on utilities than the general population

Wider adoption of solar•Prove solar is a viable solution in all communities, leads to greater adoption•Barn raising model allows general public to gain familiarity with the technology)

Jobs•Hands-on experience prioritized for job training partners•Networking opportunities as part of every installation•Paid on the job training as part of Solar Partner Program

GRID’s Volunteer Model

Community volunteers and/or job-trainees do installation with a GRID Solar Installation Supervisor’s oversight

Homeowners encouraged to participate GRID covers project costs

Homeowner assigns rebate to GRID

GRID Alternatives

Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

How to Get Involved-Subcontractor Partnership Program (SPP)

-Application @ www.gridalternatives.org-Design, permitting, installation, warranty only (GRID does outreach, rebate, homeowner education)-Includes job training component

-Gap Funding

-Financial Sponsorship

-Team Leaders

-Volunteers

Thank You!

Northern California/Bay Area/Central Coast Office(510) 652-4730 x325mbiasotti@gridalternatives.org

Also:Central Valley Office (559) 261-4743 San Diego Office (619) 239-4743Greater LA Office (310) 324-8146

www.gridalternatives.org

18

Power

to the PeopleRenewable Energy for

Underserved Communities

Conference Sponsor:

Networking Reception Sponsor:

CAREER CENTER

Image Credits: blueEnergy