GRID Alternatives

Solar for Low-Income FamiliesCalifornia case study

STANLEY GRESCHNERDirector – SASH Program

Phone: (510) 731-1322E-mail: stan@gridalternatives.org

Organization Background

• Non-profit 501(c)(3) organization• CA licensed C-10 electrical contractor• Program Administrator of California’s Single-

family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Rebate Program

GRID Alternatives

• Volunteer-based installation model

SASH ProgramA Comprehensive Low-Income Solar Program

• Higher incentives than general market CSI Program

• Energy Efficiency • Workforce Development• Volunteers and Community Engagement

GRID Alternatives

SASH Program• Budget $108M; runs through 2015• 7 rebate levels: $4.75 – $7.00/W; free 1kW

system• Installed Capacity: 14-16 MW (5000-6000

systems)• Income: <80% AMI or <50% AMI for free

system• Resale restricted affordable housing

GRID Alternatives

Why Solar for Low-Income FamiliesEconomic

• High energy costs• Significant savings• Proportionally greater economic benefit

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

Jobs • Engages low-income communities in emerging sector

Helps Develop a Sustainable Solar Industry • Moves the industry beyond the “initial adopter” phase; Solar is

not only for wealthy individuals

GRID Alternatives

A Successful Low-Income Solar Program

Financial Commitment:• Dedicated budget• Differential incentive/rebate

Dedicated Partners:• Program development (what we’re doing

today)• Accessing communities and customers• Marketing, Outreach, and Oversight

GRID Alternatives

A Successful Low-Income Solar Program

**Think Beyond MW**Long term vision:

• What infrastructure is left in place to continue serving this unique market segment

Comprehensive Program:• Integrate with other low-income energy

programs• Workforce development, community

engagement

GRID Alternatives

A Successful Low-Income Solar Program

Clearly defined eligibility requirements:• Define low-income: federal poverty level

vs. area median income (AMI)• Affordable housing, qualified census

tracts, EZ/EC, Targeted Employment Areas, etc.

• Homeowners vs. renters• Be as inclusive as possible

GRID Alternatives

The Challenges• Long term return on investment not a motivator, low-income

families need day one positive cash flow

• General distrust or skepticism of new/complex programs

• Poor ‘front-end’ economics (electricity rate, small systems, no tax liability)

• Financial strain and foreclosure climate make loans challenging

• Multi-lingual, multi-cultural marketing

• Consumer Protection

GRID Alternatives

Some Questions to Consider

• What type of housing do low-income residents have (multi/single, own/rent)?

• Is there an upfront cost to participate and what is the ROI?

• How to protect participants and maximize their benefits

• Are there city funds that can be leveraged to supplement the utility ratepayer funded program (CDBG, EE, home rehab, etc.)

• If the market segment is narrow (i.e. affordable housing), who is responsible for marketing, outreach, and oversight?

GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives

THANK YOU

Stanley Greschnerstan@gridalternatives.orgTel: (510) 731-1322

GRID Alternatives1171 Ocean Ave, Suite 200 Oakland, CA 94608www.gridalternatives.org