Solar for All California

The Solar Living Institute was thrilled to participate in Solar for All California, a collaborative project that will stimulate the local economy, create new green collar jobs, and reduce energy consumption in seven Northern California counties. As a key partner in the project, the SLI provided solar training and certification for 13 displaced and unemployed individuals to install solar photovoltaic systems on 150 low-income single family homes. 6 of the 13 individuals were referred through local workforce development agencies, including the Mendocino Private Industry Council and the California Indian Manpower Consortium.

Solar for All California was coordinated by North Coast Energy Services (NCES), the LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provider for seven Northern California counties (Mendocino, Lake, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, and Yolo). NCES convened a multi-agency collaborative team of local governments, solar vendors, nonprofit organizations, economic and job development organizations, and Native American entities to deliver the program. The SLI provided the training and certification for the 13 individuals selected for the installation component, and Real Goods Solar and Gaia Energy Systems will be installing the systems and hiring 6 of the 13 trainees as full-time employees to bring the project to completion.

Funding for the project was made available by the Department of Community Services and Development, State of California.

By the end of the project period, NCES expects the following outcomes:

• Solar photovoltaic systems averaging 3.5 kilowatts installed on 150 homes;
• 13 new solar installers trained and certified, and 6 employed for the project period or longer;
• 50-90% increase in energy efficiency, saving participating homeowners up to $1000 annually;
• Stimulation of local solar industry, resulting in increased demand for solar energy services;
• Community awareness of solar energy available to all socioeconomic groups;
• Carbon emission reductions equivalent to removing 3300 cars from the road.