SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Legislators, administration officials and community groups gathered today at a live solar installation in Sacramento to highlight the state’s partnership with GRID Alternatives, the nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer, to expand clean energy access to disadvantaged communities. Using proceeds from the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) under the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD), GRID Alternatives will provide rooftop solar to more than 1,600 families through 2016. The solar installations, which began in January 2015, represent some of the first cap and trade investments to reach economically and environmentally disadvantaged communities. They are the result of SB535, a bill authored by Senator Kevin de León that directs a portion of the GGRF to communities in need.
“I introduced SB 535 in 2011 to ensure that our disproportionately impacted communities benefit from investments in clean energy,” said Senator de León. “These investments will bring energy savings, quality jobs, and environmental benefits where they are needed most.”
GRID Alternatives has been providing solar power and solar job training for low-income communities in California since 2004, and as manager of the state’s Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes program (SASH) has developed a unique model—now being replicated nationwide—that integrates workforce development into all of its projects.
"GRID is proud to partner with California on this initiative,” said GRID Alternatives co-founder and CEO Erica Mackie. “GRID's solar installation model provides a wide range of benefits including equitable solar access, savings for families, hands-on solar job training, and broad community engagement."
Today’s installation is being completed by a team of job trainees from the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps, providing students with hands-on experience that will help them access the growing solar job market. The 2.5 kW solar electric system will provide an estimated $818 electricity cost savings in the first year for Roy Rivera, a disabled man who lives on a fixed income, and $22,800 over its 30-year lifetime.
"We hope the savings will help defray some of my medical costs,” said Mr. Rivera. "When you have a budget like ours, which is stretched just about as far as you can go, it makes a big difference.”
The funds for these projects were awarded to GRID Alternatives by CSD under the Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP), which was funded $75 million in GGRF proceeds in the state’s 2014-15 budget.
“This home is one of many low-income households statewide that are expected to receive rooftop solar systems through the state’s climate investments,” said Linné Stout, Director of CSD. “These investments will reduce emissions, save energy and put money back in the pockets of low-income Californians.”
