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Los Angeles Initiative Offers Free Solar Panels and Battery Storage to Low-Income Families
Empowering Low-Income Families with Solar Energy
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has launched an innovative program aimed at assisting low-income families in installing solar panels and battery storage systems at their residences. This initiative, available to both houses and apartment buildings, covers 100% of the installation costs. The move seeks not only to reduce electricity bills for residents but also to enhance the stability and resilience of the local power grid.
Objective and Impact of the Solar Initiative
The program is designed to help low-income LADWP customers achieve significant savings on their energy bills. By integrating battery storage with solar panels, households can maintain power during outages and utilize stored energy during peak evening hours, known as the “solar cliff.” This effort aligns with California’s broader energy goals, especially in boosting battery capacity to complement existing solar infrastructure. As David Jacot, LADWP’s Director of Distributed Energy Solutions, explains, more storage solutions are crucial when solar generation decreases in the evening.
Funding and Eligibility Details
| Program Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Total State Funds | $280 million |
| DWP’s Allotted Share | Over $32 million |
| Eligibility for Single-Family Homes | Households earning 80% or less of the area median income |
| Eligibility for Apartment Buildings | At least five low-income units or 80% of occupants earning below 60% of the area median income |
The program is part of a broader state-funded “self-generation incentive program” rolled out in June. LADWP’s initiative remains unaffected by recent state-level reductions in rooftop solar incentives. Consequently, customers continue to receive full compensation for electricity generated or stored on their new systems.
How to Apply: Steps for Interested Residents
- Identify an approved solar developer from the searchable contractor list provided by LADWP.
- Submit an application, generally handled by the selected solar developer.
- Ensure eligibility, which includes specific income requirements for both single-family homes and apartment buildings.
- Apply promptly as the application process will remain open only until funds are exhausted.
Solar systems are costly, with installations priced around $30,000. Adding a battery can increase the total cost by approximately $15,000 before federal tax credits. However, the current federal incentives, covering up to 30% of these costs, are set to expire at the end of the year.
Potential Benefits and Expected Adoption
Texas-based solar developer Haven Energy notes that over 1,500 applications have already been submitted for clients across California, with an estimation that over 1,000 homes in Los Angeles stand to benefit. This initiative reflects a transformative step toward sustainable energy solutions, providing substantial economic and environmental benefits to low-income communities.
For those interested in leveraging these state-supported benefits, engaging with an approved solar contractor remains the first strategic step towards accessing this invaluable resource for energy efficiency. For more information, potential applicants are encouraged to visit Emegypt for detailed guidelines and updates.
