FROM:
Housing
SUBJECT:
Title
Establish a partnership with GRID ALTERNATIVES, a solar affordable housing program, for low-income properties.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Request City Council to Adopt Resolution No. 2024-108, to collaborate with GRID Alternatives to conduct a solar installation project for low-income homeowners in Fontana.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by establishing partnerships and positive working relationships with other public agencies providing services to residents and local businesses.
• Enhance the local environment for future generations and create a healthy economic and environmental future by encouraging conservation, waste reduction, and recycling in the community.
DISCUSSION:
GRID Alternatives is a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit, founded in 2004, to make renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. GRID Alternatives is interested in partnering with the City to encourage Fontana property owners to utilize the Single-family Affordable Solar Homes Program (SASH) and Cap and Trade funds available to install renewable power systems on their property.
The basic program guidelines are as follows:
1) Only owner-occupied single-family homes are eligible.
2) Home must be in target area as established by either the Qualified Census Tract, as determined by the federal Housing and Urban Department, or by the Disadvantaged Community Area, as determined by the Cap-and-Trade Program.
3) Applicant’s household income must be less than or equal to 80% of the area median income (Low-Income).
4) Funds provided as a grant.
5) Average funding of $15,000 to $20,000 per project.
6) No lien recorded against the property.
7) No home equity required.
8) No restriction on resale.
The GRID Alternatives program differs from PACE financing programs as it is available at “no cost” to qualified property owners and does not have loan term nor an interest rate associated with the project. Each qualified property owner decides if GRID Alternatives meets their needs as it is one of many options available to property owners for energy efficiency improvements.
Participating in this partnership is valuable as the City works towards completing its sustainable goals. By supporting GRID Alternatives, Fontana is working towards increasing the amount of renewable energy use by promoting income qualified solar housing programs that provide no or low cost solar for families living with limited and fixed incomes.
If approved, staff will work with GRID Alternatives to develop several marketing strategies to advertise the program to income-eligible residents.
The organization currently collaborates with several local cities, including Cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Rialto, Redlands and Riverside.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No Fiscal Impact.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.