Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) is one of the programs that help provide non-costly solar power. This program evaluates and qualifies eligible buildings for solar incentives to help offset the project costs of installing solar on housing. The goals for this project would include: stimulating the adoption of solar power in affordable housing areas, bringing more awareness into the community about solar power, improving energy utilization, and decreasing the electricity costs for low-income households.
Another program is known as Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH), which is funded by many public and private sources. It is also administered by a nonprofit organization, Grid Alternatives, which holds one-on-one meeting sessions to engage low-income families with the knowledge of sustainable energy as well as promotes workforce development through the rapidly growing presence that solar power is gaining. Grid Alternatives is also a licensed solar installer so they are able to lead teams of the solar power industry to aid them in installing solar panels.
However, installing rooftop solar panels can be quite expensive because the "soft costs" of the installations are involved, which includes the costs of permitting, site design and grid connection. Thankfully because of the SASH program, Grid Alternatives helps families through the entire process of installing the rooftop solar panels, as said previously. The SASH program also includes the option to apply for weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades to help California low-income households obtain the best quality assurance with energy sustainability.
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| Grid Alternative features industry and community volunteers in installing solar electric systems in residential areas |
