Policy & Legislation
Solar Outreach off to a Great Start
March 28, 2008
For the past year, Housing California has been working with the California Energy Commission and an array of other subcontractors to provide outreach to the affordable-home community on the New Solar Homes Partnership. This 10-year, $400 billion program provides rebates for the incorporation of solar into developments.
After months of planning and forging partnerships with organizations already engaged in the green-building industry, Housing California launched its solar outreach campaign at the 2008 Annual Conference. For the first time ever, the conference included a "Solar Spot," an outdoor, energy-themed sponsorship pavilion, where attendees could learn about incentive programs, check out solar equipment, and even view a real-time, energy generation and consumption monitoring device of a solar home in Sacramento.
The 2008 Annual Conference featured numerous educational opportunities for those interested in going solar, including:
- A five-hour training institute on incorporating solar into multifamily developments.
- A new workshop track (titled "Innovative Building"), which included six workshops on a variety of green-building topics.
- A poster exhibit, spotlighting six energy-efficient solar developments.
What's Next for Affordable-Home Developers?
- Solar Outreach Kit -- The New Solar Homes Partnership working group is creating an "outreach kit" that will help affordable-home developers incorporate solar and energy-efficiency measures into affordable developments.
- Regional Trainings -- This fall, Housing California will begin facilitating regional trainings throughout the state to help affordable-home developers "go solar."
Contact: Narisha Bonakdar, (916) 447-0503 x 109 or .
