Author :DCSEU: Published Dec. 5, 2018
The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)’s “Solar for All” program, which kicked off in 2016, is designed to decrease energy costs for thousands of low-income DC families. The DCSEU is implementing a new round of “Solar for All” initiatives in FY 2019 that will complement and build upon earlier “Solar for All” work in the District.
In support of this program, the DCSEU has released two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) seeking the following:
- Developers to build community renewable energy facilities (CREFs).
- Contractors to install solar systems on roughly 100 income-qualified DC single family households.
In total, the DCSEU’s “Solar for All” work is expected to benefit up to 6,800 income-qualified DC households over the next three years.
Deadlines
- December 13, 2018: Informational webinar at 1:00 p.m. EST (details to follow)
- December 17, 2018: All questions must be submitted via email to proposals@dcseu.com by 5:00 p.m. EST
- December 21, 2018: Written responses to questions posted by 5:00 p.m. EST
- January 9, 2019: All proposal responses must be submitted electronically to proposals@dcseu.com by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Solar for All
Solar for All aims to bring the benefits of solar energy to 100,000 low- and moderate-income households in the District of Columbia. DC’s Department of Energy and Environment implementing the program through several grantee organizations across the District, who are installing solar on single-family homes and developing community solar projects to benefit renters and residents in multifamily buildings. All Solar for All participants should expect to see a 50% savings on their electric bill over 15 years. To qualify, residents must meet the income guidelines below.
Eligibility: Household income is 80% of the area median income (AMI) or lower.
Persons in household |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8+ |
Income threshold | $65,650 | $75,000 | $84,400 | $93,750 | $101,250 | $108,750 | $116,250 | $123,750 |
Options for Single Family Homeowners
Two Solar for All grantees are currently installing Solar for All projects for single family homeowners. Solar United Neighbors of DC and GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic.
Solar United Neighbors of DC’s 51st State Solar Co-op brings DC residents together to make solar more affordable through bulk purchasing. Homeowners own the solar panels, receive credit for all electricity produced, and will receive additional income from revenue generated by their Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) starting five years after the installation. For income-qualified residents, Solar United Neighbors will pay for the full installation of panels. Learn more about the 51st State Solar Co-op.
How to apply: Contact Yesenia Rivera, DC Program Director at yesenia@solarunitedneighbors.org or by phone at (240) 523-3948.
Grid Alternatives Mid-Atlantic provides solar installations to income-qualified single-family homeowners through Solar Works DC, the District’s solar installation and job training program. In addition to preparing residents to enter careers in solar and related industries, Solar Works DC reduces energy costs for low- and moderate-income homeowners by installing solar systems on their homes. Homeowners will lease their solar systems at no cost to them and will receive at least 50% credit for all electricity produced by the panels. Learn more at Grid Alternatives Mid-Atlantic.
How to apply: Contact Jacqueline Treiger, Senior Outreach Coordinator by phone at (202) 517-8858 or by email atdcoutreach@gridalternatives.org.
Community Solar
Community solar provides the benefits of solar to residents who can’t install systems on their home, including renters and homeowners whose rooftops are shaded or need repairs. A community solar project is not located on the home, but offsite, and the benefiting household (called a subscriber) receives a credit on their electric bill each month.
How can I participate in Solar for All’s community solar projects?
Several organizations are a part of DOEE’s Solar for All community solar initiative. Two programs are currently accepting applications. District residents interested in participating should reach out to those organizations directly using the contact information provided below.
Additionally, in late 2019, DOEE plans to open enrollment for a variety of new community solar projects currently in the pipeline.
Currently open for subscribers:
Groundswell is installing solar on houses of worship including at the DuPont Park Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ward 7. Up to 350 income-eligible households will receive energy credit subscriptions at no cost. Visit groundswell.org/solar-for-all/ or contact customerservice@groundswell.org for more information.
Neighborhood Solar Equity is installing solar on a local university and plans to provide benefits to income-eligible households in the District. For more information, visit Neighborhood Solar Equity or contact rootandbranchinc@gmail.com.
To verify whether a solar developer/contractor is operating as part of DOEE’s official Solar for All program, please email solarforall@dc.gov or call 311.
For more information about Solar for All, contact Mike Matthews at (202) 536-7666 or michael.matthews@dc.gov.