Low Income Solar Programs
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other agencies under the California state government offer programs that allow income-qualified residential customers to receive financial assistance on solar panel installations, battery installations, and energy efficiency efforts. Potential solar customers should check the following programs to see if they have a chance to qualify.
Disadvantaged Communities - Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH)
The DAC-SASH program enables income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities to receive no-cost rooftop solar installations. DAC-SASH is run by GRID Alternatives and is currently accepting applications. Visit DAC-SASH Eligibility Requirements | GRID Alternatives or www.gridsolar.org to see if your home qualifies.
Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
The SGIP Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) is a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) program that offers incentives statewide for low-income customers installing paired solar and energy storage technology in their home. These paired systems can function during a power outage, provide bill savings, and provide benefits to the grid. Check the following link to see what funds are still available and the program requirements: SGIP | The best way to get an SGIP incentive is to reach out to an installer who can help navigate the application process. Use the Approved SGIP Developer List to help find an installer in your area. (Please note that the CPUC does not endorse or recommend any of these installers.)
Disadvantaged Communities - Green-Tariff (DAC-GT)
The DAC-GT program enables income-qualified, residential customers in disadvantaged communities who may be unable to install solar on their roof to benefit from utility scale clean energy and receive a 20% bill discount. It is available to customers who meet the income eligibility requirements for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs. If you've determined that you qualify for the CARE or FERA programs, reach out to your energy provider to see how you can enroll. If you are income-qualified for this program, you may have been automatically enrolled. Check your electricity bill to see if you have already received a DAC-GT bill discount.
Community Solar Green Tariff (CSGT)
The CSGT program enables residential customers in disadvantaged communities who may be unable to install solar on their roof to benefit from a local solar project and receive a 20% bill discount. The communities work with a local non-profit or government “sponsor” to organize community interest and present siting locations to the utility or CCA; the sponsor can also receive an incentive for its efforts.
Farmworker Housing Energy Efficiency and Solar PV
The Low-Income Weatherization Program's (LIWP) Farmworker Housing Component focuses on the direct installation of energy efficiency measures and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for eligible farmworker households at no cost.
The LIWP Farmworker Housing Component is administered by La Cooperativa de Compesina de California and currently provides services in two regions that include 18 counties in California that have the highest farmworker populations. Visit La Cooperative de Compesina’s website for more information on eligibility: Low-Income Weatherization Program - La Cooperativa Campesina de California