Power to the People Renewable Energy for Underserved Communities

1. Power to the People Renewable Energy for Underserved Communities Image Credits: blueEnergy Conference Sponsor: Networking Reception Sponsor: 1 CAREERCENTER

2. Mary Biasotti Regional Director, GRID Alternatives April 22nd, 2010 Center for Science, Technology, and Society

3. Single-Family Solar Affordable Homes (SASH) Program Mary Biasotti, Bay Area Regional Director GRID Alternatives

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. GRID Alternatives Energy Efficiency – Solar Savings Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

8. 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

9. 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

10. SASH Rebate • 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

11. GRID Alternatives Existing Single Family Home Gap funding for net cost: Local government (Rehab loan/grant, NSP, CDBG, EEBG), Corporate sponsors, equipment donation/discounts, grants) Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

12. GRID Alternatives Single Family Affordable Solar Homes Rebate SASH – The Bad and the Very Good • 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 Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

13. GRID 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 Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

14. GRID 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 Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

15. 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

16. GRID 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 Generating Renewable Ideas for Development Alternatives

17. Thank You! Northern California/Bay Area/ Central Coast Office (510) 652-4730 x325 mbiasotti@gridalternatives.org Also: Central Valley Office(559) 261-4743 San Diego Office(619) 239-4743 Greater LA Office (310) 324-8146 www.gridalternatives.org

18. Power to the People Renewable Energy for Underserved Communities Image Credits: blueEnergy Conference Sponsor: Networking Reception Sponsor: 18 CAREERCENTER