Resources
GO GREEN!
SOLAR
As part of California's efforts to increase renewable energy, in 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed the Million Solar Roofs plan. Today the plan is known as the California Solar Initiative and has three goals:
(1) Install 3,000 megawatts (MW) or approximately one million solar roofs of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in California by the end of 2016;
(2) Establish a self-sufficient solar industry in which solar-energy systems are a viable mainstream option in 10 years;
(3) Place solar-energy systems on 50 percent of new homes in 13 years.
Solar for EXISTING Developments
Developers looking to incorporate solar into an existing development, should start with the California Solar Initiative, which is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Solar for NEW Developments
Developers looking to incorporate solar into a new development, should start with the New Solar Homes Partnership, which is overseen by the California Energy Commission.
- About the New Solar Homes Partnership - Launched in 2007, the California Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) provides financial incentives and other support to encourage the construction and development of new, energy-efficient single-family and multifamily solar homes that reduce the cost of monthly electric bills and protect the environment.
To get started, download the Tool Kit for Affordable Home Developers. It provides a step-by-step look at the application process and offers a comprehensive guide to help builders understand how the NSHP incentives fit with other funding sources in the development process.
View additional information for affordable-home developers on the Go Solar California website.
VIDEO: The Benefits of Incorporating Solar Energy in Affordable-Home Developments (produced by Global Green USA.)
Solar Assessment CALCULATOR (provided by Global Green USA)
Designed for affordable-home developers, the Global Green USA's Solar Affordable Housing Assessment calculator assists developers and their design and finance teams in assessing the various options for incorporating solar photovoltaic systems into their California-based, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments. The assessment marries design and finance considerations by asking questions that should be answerable during schematic design. The calculator produces a variety of financial scenarios that developers can incorporate into their preliminary pro-formas and tax credit applications, as well as photovoltaic sizing options that design teams can use to issue RFPs for solar design/build services. Use the calculator.
Solar TRAININGS
For workshops, webinars, and other training opportunities, visit our Events page.
