Los Angeles Launches Solar and Battery Program for Low-Income Families
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has initiated an innovative program aimed at assisting low-income families in installing solar panels and battery storage systems in their homes or apartment buildings. This initiative is designed to enhance the affordability and sustainability of energy solutions for some of the city’s most economically challenged residents.
Objectives of the Solar Installation and Battery Storage Program
The primary goal of this initiative is to help low-income LADWP customers significantly reduce their electricity bills. Moreover, it aims to strengthen the resilience of the power grid during peak demand times. Battery storage solutions allow households to maintain power to critical appliances such as lights and air conditioning, even during outages.
David Jacot, LADWP’s director of distributed energy solutions, emphasized the need for improved storage capabilities: “We really need to start getting more storage online so that we can have that resource when the solar panels aren’t generating. That period is in the early evening when the sun starts to go down — we call it the solar cliff.”
Details About the Self-Generation Incentive Program
The state-funded Self-Generation Incentive Program, initiated in June, allocates a total of $280 million across California, with more than $32 million designated for LADWP. The highlight of this initiative is that 100% of installation costs will be covered for participants. Key components of the program include:
- Ability for applicants to choose between solar panels, battery storage, or a combined system.
- Eligibility for single-family households earning 80% or less than the area median income.
- Apartment building eligibility requiring at least five low-income units or 80% of households with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income.
How to Apply for the Program
Eligible residents and apartment owners must apply through an approved solar developer, who will handle the application submission. Interested individuals should first locate an authorized contractor from a provided searchable list. Applications will remain open until the allocated funding is depleted.
Notably, the cost of solar systems alone averages around $30,000, and the addition of battery storage typically raises the cost by about $15,000 before federal tax credits. Homeowners should be aware that the current federal tax incentive, which covers 30% of these costs, is set to expire at the end of the year.
The Impact of Rooftop Solar Adoption in Los Angeles
While California enjoys a wealth of installed solar capacity, the city of Los Angeles has witnessed a marked decline in rooftop solar adoption in recent years. Currently, rooftop solar contributes approximately 7% of the city’s energy supply. In contrast to California’s largest utilities—Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, which launched similar programs in June—LADWP’s program is unaffected by recent state-level cuts to rooftop solar incentives. Customers can still be compensated at full rates for the energy generated or stored through their new systems.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Los Angeles Residents
The LADWP’s solar panel and battery storage initiative presents an invaluable opportunity for low-income families to access renewable energy sources while alleviating energy costs. As California grapples with an increasing demand for efficient energy solutions, programs like these are essential for fostering sustainability and resilience in urban energy systems.
For further details and to begin the application process, residents are encouraged to connect with an approved solar developer and review the program’s requirements.
