CSE is partnering with San Diego Gas & Electric® (SDG&E) and the city and county of San Diego to make the cost-savings benefits of rooftop solar available to income-qualified families.
The city program is a 10-year equity-focused initiative funded by $10 million of SDG&E shareholder funds as part of the city’s franchise agreement with the utility. In addition to providing incentives to cover nearly 100% of solar costs, the program furnishes up to $3,500 toward an electrical panel upgrade to support solar and up to $1,000 for contractors who provide 40 hours of solar job training.
In a related pilot, CSE is administering a temporary incentive program for San Diego County to fund solar systems for income-qualified households residing in disadvantaged communities within the county’s unincorporated areas. The county pilot is funded by the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.
“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
As of March 2026
35 active solar projects
City: Over 85% of participants with incomes of ≤ 80% area median income
County: 100% of participants with incomes of ≤ 80% area median income
228 kW of solar energy in progress
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 and administration, review applications and qualify incentive recipients.
Technologies
Key Partners
San Diego Gas & Electric
City of San Diego
County of San Diego
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.
