HomeMy WebLinkAboutSingle-family Affrdble Solar Homes Rebate PrgmPALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: RECEIVE AND FILE SASH PROGRAM UPDATE REPORT
SUBMITTED BY: Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst
DATE: August 22, 2013
CONTENTS: Desert Rose Site Map
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, that the City Council and Authority Board receive and file
SASH Program update report implemented by GRID Alternatives.
Backaround
GRID Alternatives (GRID) is a non-profit solar company that was contracted as the
statewide program manager to implement the Single -Family Affordable Solar Homes
(SASH) rebate program funded by the California utility ratepayers under the auspices of
the California Public Utilities Commission for qualified households. The SASH Program
is one of the California Solar Initiative's (CSI) low-income incentive solar programs
structured to provide low-income families with free or low-cost solar photovoltaic (PV)
systems that significantly reduce household energy expenses and allows families to
direct those savings toward other basic needs. In addition to being the primary installer
for SASH, GRID provides education on and access to energy efficiency programs that
further reduce a household's energy consumption and expenses. In implementing the
SASH Program, GRID Alternatives has established a volunteer -based installation model
that provides opportunities for local volunteers to assist with installations, to engage
their communities, to participate in CSI programs, and affording low-cost installs that
makes solar even more affordable for low-income homeowners. SASH also provides a
foundation for promoting and building a sustainable solar industry by incorporating a
workforce development and job training component into the program. The SASH
Program also promotes partnerships between solar contractors and local workforce
development programs by including a job training requirement for all sub -contracted
SASH projects.
In order to qualify for the SASH program a homeowner must be income -qualified (at
80% or below of the area median income), own their home as their primary residence,
be customers of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), or
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), the homeowner cannot be currently facing financial
insolvency, and have an `affordable housing' restriction on their home.
Staff Report
SASH Program Update Report
August 22, 2013
Page 2 of 2
GRID has installed approximately 61 (55 in Desert Rose) solar systems in Palm Desert
free of charge to homeowners who qualify based on the above criteria. Having 61
solarized homes is estimated to save the families approximately $10 million over the
lifetime of the systems. They are scheduled to install over 60 more in Desert Rose
beginning in early 2014. Although Falcon Crest has 74 homes that already have
integrated solar systems, they may qualify for other energy efficient upgrades and GRID
will be working with these homeowners, as well as the additional 19 homeowners in
Falcon crest that don't have solar systems.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the City or Authority for the installations with the exception of
staff time to review each request and the overall reduction in kilowatts used within the
City.
Submitted by:
Jess Gonzales, gement Analyst - Housing
Approval:
M. Wohimuth, Executive Director
Department Head:
nnet4A. Moore, Director of Housing
BY HOUSG AUTH 3 `�
ON R - A
VERIFIED BY:
Original on file with City C erk-'s Offi:'
G:IHOUStNGUESSICA GONZALESISTAFF REPORTSISASH PROGRAM UPDATE 8-22-13.D0C
DESERT ROSE SOLAR INSTALLS COMPLETED BY GRID