GRID Alternatives and SDG&E Environmental All-Stars install private solar for local residents
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Team SDG&E! Last Saturday, more than 60 Environmental All-Stars put on their hard hats and plugged-in their power tools to install private solar panels on the roofs of three neighboring homes, including that of longtime advocate of the blind Jacqueline Jackson who was recently named Woman of the Year by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher.
The 10.2 kilowatt solar installation systems are expected to save Jackson and her neighbors a total of $95,000 in lifetime energy savings and 196 tons of greenhouse gas emissions—the equivalent of planting 4,056 trees.
People. Planet. Jobs.
The growing demand for private solar continues to increase, but not everyone has access or the means for installation. We are proud supporters of GRID Alternatives, a non-profit organization committed to making renewable technology and job training accessible to underserved communities.
Through its Solar Affordable Housing Program, qualified families can sign up to receive free private solar. To install the systems, volunteers and job trainees use a “barn raising” model giving them hands-on experience and promoting workforce diversity in the green job sector.
GRID Alternatives installs no-cost solar electric systems for nearly 100 low-income families in San Diego County every year—helping them save an average of 75 percent on their electric bills each month.
Connecting to solar
San Diego is a shining example of a city that is shaping the future of renewable energy through investments in clean power, innovative technologies and green jobs. Recently, America’s finest city took the No. 1 spot in total solar installations in the nation.
At SDG&E, we have the fastest private solar connection in the State, with an average four-to-five-day connection period, through an online application process that’s fast and convenient for new solar adopters. Customers also have the option to choose SDG&E’s “Fast Track” process, to power on their private solar systems the same day city or county approval is received. To date, more than 112,000 private rooftop solar systems have been connected to our power grid.
Innovative customer solutions
Inspired by the growing demand for private solar and our commitment to improve the lives of our customers, we invented the Renewable Meter Adapter, a device which helps customers avoid thousands of dollars on electrical panel upgrades that are typically required when installing solar on homes built before 1995. Nearly 5,600 customers have taken advantage of this innovative device, avoiding a cumulative $6.7 million in the cost to install private solar.
At SDG&E, we are always exploring unique opportunities to clean the air we breathe and build healthier communities. Click here to learn more about our clean energy efforts.