California Is Giving Free Solar Panels to the Poor

[applegrove]

California Is Giving Free Solar Panels to the Poor

http://motherboard.vice.com/read/free-solar-for-the-poor

"SNIP................



In California, polluting companies are paying to line the roofs of the disadvantaged with solar panels. It's not charity, either, exactly—it's public policy. Very good policy.

The San Francisco Chronicle explains how a new program arising from the state's cap-and-trade law—in which companies must pay, per ton, for their carbon pollution—is delivering solar to the poor: "Run by Oakland nonprofit Grid Alternatives, the effort will install home solar arrays in disadvantaged neighborhoods, using $14.7 million raised through California’s cap-and-trade system for reining in greenhouse gas emissions."

California is the best state in the country for solar; incentive programs, innovative companies, and progressive consumers have helped solar get a foothold there more than anywhere else. But the lion's share of the solar went solely to the upper-middle classes and the wealthy, who could afford its steep upfront costs.

Grid Alternatives, which has been around for over a decade, has long sought to change that balance—and the cap and trade is providing the funds to give it some extra muscle. The nonprofit now plans on installing solar panels on 1,600 homes by the end of next year, for free. Anyone who lives in a neighborhood the state currently designates as disadvantaged, qualifies.



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[Mnemosyne]

1. That is great! We could have done the entire country for what's been given to the MIC in a year. nt

[99Forever]

2. May this spread to everywhere.

A win for everyone, all the way around.

[Paka]

3. Fantastic!

Although I have been forced to leave California and live in Thailand due to cost-of-living, I'm still proud of my adopted state (I grew up in Oregon). I still vote in California.

[Baitball Blogger]

4. I pray for the day when solar energy is a reasonable alternative to electricity.

[reddread]

5. doubt this is anything like having your own solar setup

there is a bunch of stuff going on where companies install solar on peoples roofs without the same degree of benefit to your bills.
a way of interceding independence. beware.

[mountain grammy]

6. fantastic idea!

talk about giving people help, how about no electric bill.
Way to go, California.. ahead of the rest.

[applegrove]

7. California has led the nation in progressive ideas.

[reddread]

8. that is NOT what is happening

the source is basically an industry promo.
is this the limit of our critical perception?

[mountain grammy]

9. Enlighten us, please.

[reddread]

10. PG and E and other energy merchants are cleaning up their emissions

and proactively eliminating the serious threat of privately owned solar, doubtless with subsidies we pay for at both ends.