GRID Alternatives Launches Free CA Solar Design/Install Service For Multifamily Affordable Housing

This month, GRID Alternatives launched its free national technical assistance and turnkey solar design/install service for multifamily affordable housing in California.

This nonprofit solar installer announced it has expanded its multifamily solar program to now include free technical assistance nationally for affordable housing owners, developers, and operators.

GRID Alternatives joycepeopleThis technical assistance service, which was launched to coincide with the Housing California conference in Sacramento, is funded by a grant from the JPB Foundation.  It is intended to reduce barriers to entry and help affordable housing providers install solar power on their multifamily dwellings. With more than six million American families living in affordable housing units nationwide, the need appears to be significant.

Under a grant from The JPB Foundation, GRID Alternatives will help reduce barriers to entry and help affordable housing owners/developers install solar through no-cost comprehensive technical assistance. The service includes the following:

  • Complete portfolio assessments of solar feasibility
  • Identification of funding options for existing, new construction, or building rehab
  • Owner representation, bid analysis, and other services
  • Evaluation of energy efficiency and battery storage options
  • Turnkey in-house design and installation services
  • Solar and energy efficiency workforce training for residents

“For housing owners and developers, putting solar on multifamily housing portfolios can have great benefits, but it can also be very complex,” said Tim Sears, COO and co-founder of GRID Alternatives. “This service helps navigate complicated funding and regulatory issues to stabilize utility bills, save money, retain tenant services, and avoid raising rent. It’s a win for everyone involved.”

The new service will help California expand solar on multifamily affordable housing – in addition to the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing program, AB 639 will allocate up to $100 million annually from cap-and-trade proceeds to fund solar installations on multifamily housing in disadvantaged communities starting in 2017.

Image via GRID Alternatives

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