power to the people renewable energy for underserved communities
DESCRIPTION
Power to the People Renewable Energy for Underserved Communities. Image Credits: blueEnergy. Conference Sponsor: Networking Reception Sponsor:. 1. C AREER C ENTER. Mary Biasotti Regional Director, GRID Alternatives. April 22 nd , 2010. Center for Science, Technology, and Society. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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 [email protected]
Also:Central Valley Office (559) 261-4743 San Diego Office (619) 239-4743Greater LA Office (310) 324-8146
www.gridalternatives.org
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Power
to the PeopleRenewable Energy for
Underserved Communities
Conference Sponsor:
Networking Reception Sponsor:
CAREER CENTER
Image Credits: blueEnergy