CSE is partnering with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and the city of San Diego in a 10-year, $10 million equity-focused incentive program that demonstrates how utilities and municipalities can make rooftop solar more available for income-qualified families.
Funded by SDG&E shareholder funds as part of city’s franchise agreement, the program addresses local environmental justice and social equity issues by establishing a pathway to solar for income-qualified residents, especially those living in city neighborhoods most vulnerable to climate change impacts. In addition to incentives that cover nearly 100% of solar installations, it furnishes up to $3,500 toward the cost of an electrical panel upgrade to support the solar and up to $1,000 for contractors who provide 40 hours of solar job training.
SDG&E selected CSE to design and administer the program on based consultation with local technical experts and community-based organizations.
“We appreciate CSE’s inclusive and data-driven approach in designing and administering a program that provides carbon-free electricity and the benefits of cleaner air and healthier communities,” Caroline Winn, SDG&E Chief Executive Officer
San Diego Solar Equity Program Impacts
42 active or completed projects
Over 80% of participants in SDSEP have incomes of 80% area median income or less
Funding allows for a potential of 300+ solar installations over the life of the program.
Program at a Glance
Program Goals
Expand equitable access to solar energy, provide monthly energy bill savings for low-income families, achieve long-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions and promote local solar jobs and job training.
CSE's Role
Consult with local stakeholders
Program design
Administer program
Conduct outreach
Website development
Review applications
Qualify incentive recipients
Technologies
Key Partners
San Diego Gas & Electric
City of San Diego
Solar contractors
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569
State Policies Supported
Inform California Assembly Bill 209 implementation
Impact Statement
Participating homeowners will displace most of their electricity load with clean solar energy and save tens of thousands of dollars in energy costs over the lifespan of their system. For the community, that means less demand on the grid and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
