Grid Alternatives’ No-Cost Solar Program for Richmond
By Catalina Coz
Grassroots support for advancing solar energy in Richmond goes back to the early 2000s. Since then, we have had nonprofit businesses train residents in solar installations, among other green-collar jobs. Grid Alternatives came along in 2015 as a city-sponsored program that uses city funding to provide free solar to low-income homeowners in Richmond and North Richmond (including unincorporated North Richmond). Over the last ten years, Grid Alternatives has solarized over 500 homes in Richmond.
In addition to bringing about climate change correctives, Grid Alternatives recognizes environmental injustices facing low-income communities. These are urgent concerns, for sure. As the sun shines for everybody, its power should be shared at no cost. Through our solar program, we provide Richmond residents who qualify, to get solar at no cost. The City has partnered with Grid Alternatives to provide some funds to help families who need a new roof receive assistance in addition to receiving solar panels. Those funds are limited, so Grid Alternatives is helping families on a first come first-serve basis to bring this revolutionary technology into the community. This will not only contribute to fewer fossil fuel emissions but will also bring direct savings to residents’ electric bills.
How to qualify:
- Own and live in your home
- Have a roof that is suitable for solar (GRID will perform a free assessment)
- Live in Richmond, North Richmond, or Unincorporated North Richmond
- Maintain income guidelines listed below
Grid Alternatives staff is standing by to help Richmond residents assess eligibility and take advantage of this program. We want to empower our community members to make educated decisions about solar panels and how they might work for households that qualify. We are here to guide community members every step of the way. We hope eligible households will take advantage of this important opportunity. Call us!
Catalina Coz
Outreach Coordinator
415-900-6767
[email protected]
__
GRID Call Center
1-866-921-4696
[email protected]