Low Income Solar Programs

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Background
Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing Program
Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing Program
What's New
How to Apply
Additional Energy Efficiency Programs

Background

After the passage of SB 1, which set forth specific California Solar Initiative (CSI) program requirements, and AB 2723, which codified a requirement that not less than 10 percent of overall CSI funds be used for installations of solar systems on low-income residential housing, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) earmarked 10 percent of its $2.2 billion budget for solar programs for low-income housing. The CPUC chose to create individual solar programs for single-family low-income homes and multifamily low-income buildings.

Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing Program

On November 16, 2007, the CPUC issued Decision 07-01-045, creating a $108 million Single-Family Low Income Incentive Program within the CSI. The Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing (SASH) Program will provide higher incentives to offset the project costs of installing solar on low income single family homes in California. GRID Alternatives will be the statewide SASH Program Manager. At this time, the SASH program is under development. For more information, please contact GRID Alternatives at 510-652-4730, or visit their website.

Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing Program

The Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program provides higher incentives to offset the project costs of installing solar on multifamily affordable housing buildings in California. The goal of the MASH is to incorporate high levels of energy efficiency and high performing solar systems to help enhance the overall quality of affordable housing.

What's New

Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program Update

As of October 26, 2009, the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing Program has received applications for more than the allotted $32.9M in Track 1 and all new applications will be placed on a Wait List and funded through Track 1 attrition.

In addition, please let us know if you have any reserved applications that are no longer proceeding and need to be cancelled. If you have any questions, contact us at 415-973-1400 or solar@pge.com.

Virtual Net Metering Approved

On June 8, 2009, the CPUC approved PG&E’s Virtual Net Metering (VNEM) tariff, NEMVNMA, which will allow Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) and New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) affordable housing participants to allocate credits from one solar system across multiple accounts in a low-income complex. The tariff is available in PG&E’s electric tariff book, and the application is available on PG&E’s interconnection website.

MASH Track 2 Approved

On May 29, 2009, the CPUC approved the Track 2 changes to the CSI Handbook. The first application cycle for Track 2 funds will begin on July 1, 2009. PG&E will accept Track 2 applications through September 30, 2009 (received, not postmarked). All Track 2 applicants will be notified of their results in Q4 2009.

How to Apply

Until the statewide online database is updated to include MASH projects, MASH applications will be in hardcopy form only. MASH handbook, applications and fact sheets can be found on the Handbook & Forms page.