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Imperial Valley Solar Homes Program

CITIZENS ENERGY CORPORATION

Foundation Annual Solar Energy GrantsEnergy Efficiency GrantsPoverty Alleviation Grants
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Imperial Valley Solar Homes Program

Overview: Free rooftop solar panel installation program for low-income homeowners in Imperial Valley, California.

Geographic Scope: Imperial County, California (where Imperial Irrigation District provides electric power)

Focus Areas:

  • Rooftop solar installation for low-income families

  • Electricity bill reduction

  • Energy affordability

  • Local employment through installation services

    • Key Features:

  • Free rooftop solar systems with no upfront costs to homeowners

  • 20-year lease agreement with parts and maintenance warranty

  • Expected 40-50% reduction in electricity bills

  • Average system generates approximately 5,400 kilowatt-hours per year

  • Systems installed by local contractors when possible

  • Funded through Citizens Energy's revenue from Sunrise Powerlink transmission line

  • Installation capacity: 100-150 systems per year

  • Program runs until end of 2042 (30-year agreement with SDG&E)

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Own a home with south-facing roof

  • Roof in good condition

  • Meet energy efficiency standards

  • Homeowner status required

  • Low-income qualification

    • What They Fund:

  • Purchase of solar photovoltaic systems

  • Installation labor

  • 20-year maintenance and warranty

    • What They Don't Fund:

  • Renter-occupied properties

  • Homes with roofs in poor condition

  • Homes not meeting energy efficiency standards

    • Background: Established in 2013 through Citizens Energy's ownership stake in the Sunrise Powerlink transmission line. By 2015, approximately 421 low-income households had received free rooftop solar arrays. Program uses at least 50% of after-tax profits from transmission operations to serve Imperial Valley residents.

    Contact:

  • Phone: 855-GO-SUN-GO (855-467-8646)

  • Email: solarhomes@citizensenergy.com

  • Website: www.citizensenergy.com

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Contact Citizens Energy:
    - Call: 855-GO-SUN-GO (855-467-8646)
    - Email: solarhomes@citizensenergy.com
    - Visit: www.citizensenergy.com

    2. Application Review: Citizens Energy conducts eligibility verification

    3. Waiting Period: Typically 1+ year from application to installation

    4. Property Assessment: Verification of south-facing roof, roof condition, and energy efficiency standards

    5. Installation: Once approved, local contractors perform installation and interconnection with Imperial Irrigation District grid

      Required Materials:

    • Proof of homeownership
    • Proof of low-income status
    • Property information (roof orientation, condition, etc.)
    • Energy usage history
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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    solarenergy-efficiencypoverty-alleviation

    Categories

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