1 Power to the People Renewable Energy for Underserved Communities Conference Sponsor: Networking Reception Sponsor: C AREER C ENTER Image Credits: blueEnergy

Mary Biasotti Regional Director, GRID Alternatives April 22 nd, 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 system3.3 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 systemRetail/ CSIGRID/ SASH Low GRID/ SASH High Cost of PV system$26,400$22,117 Rebate$5,115$15,675 $23,100 Federal tax Net cost to homeowner$14,899$4,509$0 Payback period (solar savings)19 years5.7 yearsimmediate 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) -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) x325 Also: Central Valley Office (559) San Diego Office (619) Greater LA Office (310)

18 Power to the People Renewable Energy for Underserved Communities Conference Sponsor: Networking Reception Sponsor: C AREER C ENTER Image Credits: blueEnergy