In March, we introduced you all to GRID Alternatives, the non-profit, California-based organization that provides free solar photovoltaic (PV) home energy systems to low-income communities. In order to do so, GRID Alternatives combines California’s alternative energy incentives with its own fundraising dollars.
Today, we begin a three-part series, taking a closer look at the people and process behind GRID Alternatives’ installations.
The group was founded in 2001 by Erica Mackie and Tim Sears, two private-sector solar installers who wanted to help their state climb out of an energy crisis that began in 2000. California was experiencing high wholesale energy prices, sporadic power shortages and financial problems of the state’s three major utilities: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SD&E).
The organization began with a single office in San Francisco, California. Now, nearly a decade later, Grid Alternatives has locations in six metropolitan areas throughout California: the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Central Valley, San Diego, Inland Empire and Fresno.
While Mackie and Sears were getting Grid Alternatives off the ground, California lawmakers were piecing together what we know today as the California Solar Initiative (CSI). The CSI is a 10-step commercial and residential solar rebate program aimed at installing 1,750 megawatts (MW) of solar power in California by 2016.
GRID volunteers work at an affordable homes complex in Oakland on Jun 8, 2010
It was not until July 2009, however, with the creation of the Single Family Affordable Homes (SASH) Program, that low-income homeowners started receiving benefits under the CSI. SASH is a special rebate within the CSI that is specifically set aside for low-income homeowners. In order to qualify, individuals must live in “affordable homes” — homes that were specifically built by a city or non-profit program for low-income families.
GRID Alternatives manages the SASH program for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Molly Tirpak Sterkel, manager of the CPUC solar program, explains why:
“We chose GRID Alternatives to manage this program because of its expertise and proven track record in orchestrating the installation of solar electric systems for low income families.”
According to GRID Alternatives’ Development Director Zach Franklin, families who qualify for the SASH Program earn a much higher rebate. GRID Alternatives then combines this with their own funding to pay for the installation. The SASH Program is a main source of funding for GRID — one that enables the installations completed through its flagship program, the Solar Affordable Housing Program (SAHP).
Since the SAHP program began in 2004, GRID Alternatives has installed 433 solar energy systems at an average of two kilowatts (kW) each. In March of this year, that number stood at 369. And how much are they saving these families? It all depends on the type of installation.
“You’re talking about something in the range of about $30 to $40 a month, which month after month, for thirty years, adds up,” said Franklin. ”There are places where people use a lot more power. We do projects in the Central Valley where people use air conditioning and stuff like that. You’re talking about $70 to $80 a month, maybe some larger than that.”
Saving these families money is just one way GRID Alternatives measures its impact. The organization’s positive effect on community morale — and its focus on solar energy education — are also indicators of success. On Wednesday, we’ll delve deeper into the lives of the volunteers that have become the catalysts for Grid Alternatives’ mission.
