Did Y'all Know? | September 2024
Did Y’all Know…
this month, we are all about solar plus storage. I know that most people know solar energy, but I thought I would take a quick moment to zero in on the storage part and explain why new solar projects need it to be financially viable.
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When I looked into starting a solar project at home, I was told I had to incorporate storage to make the project financially viable, or “pencil out.” My first question was, why must I purchase additional equipment to save money on my energy bill?
Learn more about the details of including storage in your solar projects in September’s Technology Tuesdays below!
Did Y’all Know…
A solar plus storage project can be a daunting task. While there are many benefits to implementing a solar project, there are also many things to consider to make the best decision for your needs. Those needs also vary by application and by customer type; there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
We will review some of the most common methods of funding solar projects because, let’s face it, the reason you are getting solar is to save money on your electricity bills. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing, leasing, PPAs, and financing. Here, we are all about savings and wouldn’t want to see anyone miss out on those potential savings by making an unfavorable financing decision. Join us for this crash course on solar plus storage!
Did Y’all Know…
California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) is the only incentive program for new construction served by an IOU. (CEDA) provides a complimentary analysis of decarbonization options, and potential energy savings and incentives tailored to your specific project. CEDA is available across multiple IOUs in only 5 easy steps! Check them out and learn more here.
Did Y’all Know
for public agencies looking for renewable options such as solar and storage alongside energy efficiency, SJVCEO has you covered! SoCalREN offers the Pathway to Zero Program that supports public agencies on a path towards zero net energy (ZNE). Pathway to Zero comprehensively analyzes energy opportunities at agency facilities through a high-level review of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and other sustainability options. This program gives agencies the information they need to start choosing the DERs that are right for their facilities. Learn more here!
Did Y’all Know
we have an exciting opportunity for our schools! Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools program (Energy CLASS) is a strategic initiative from the DOE Renew America’s Schools Program promoting building and energy management in school districts across America. Energy CLASS is designed to help some of the nation’s highest-need K–12 public schools with critical clean energy and health improvements by establishing, training, and supporting energy managers—or champions—in their districts.
This September, two DOE programs for schools - Renew America’s Schools and Efficient and Healthy Schools - will open applications for the 2024-2025 Energy CLASS. This opportunity will allow up to 50 school districts to receive coaching and 1:1 expert advice on strategic energy management, project development, funding pathways, and related topics to advance their district’s sustainability goals! Learn more here and get started on your application! The submission deadline is quickly approaching (October 4th), so check it out now!
Did Y’all Know…
SoCalREN has been working with multifamily properties to save energy and costs for over ten years. In the past, multifamily properties had the choice of common area upgrades and/or in-unit upgrades, but in 2024, we are happy to announce another saving opportunity: the SEED initiative!
The Initiative aims to make energy-efficient upgrades accessible and hassle-free for qualifying residential properties. By participating, property owners can benefit from:
Free Equipment and Labor: We provide water heating and HVAC equipment, smart thermostats, pipe insulation, and other similar measures for the entire building.
Comprehensive Support: SoCalREN handles all program support and contractor coordination and offers community recognition.
No Upfront Costs: All necessary equipment and labor are provided at no cost for selected projects.
To participate, properties must:
Contain 20 or fewer units; Served by Southern California Edison (SCE) and/or SoCalGas.
Located in Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Monyo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, or Ventura counties.
Interested property owners can learn more and apply by scanning the QR code or visiting our website at socalren.org/multifamily. If you have questions or want to confirm eligibility, please email multifamily@socalren.org.
Did Y’all Know
Southern California Gas Company’s “Energy Efficiency Rebate Guide” for 2024 has countless opportunities for businesses, public agencies, and other customers to install new equipment with rebates. Part 6 of our breakdown features Natural Gas-Modulating Valves. These valves can provide energy savings benefits for laundry operations, so be sure to check out the details below!
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Did Y’all Know
photo credit: www.sce.com/ccbb
September is National Preparedness Month, and Southern California Edison offers various resources and support to help you prepare for any emergency! SCE has programs and rebates to help you prepare for emergencies such as earthquakes, wildfires, or outages, including Public Safety Power Shutoff outages. One of these is the Critical Care Backup Battery program, which supplies a free backup battery exclusively for customers in high-fire-risk areas enrolled in our Medical Baseline Allowance program.
What is included in this program?
Portable, rechargeable, clean-energy backup battery (backed by a three-year warranty) to provide temporary power to critical medical devices. Battery plugs into a regular electrical outlet to charge.
Solar panel kit for additional charging capability