Renewable Properties Develops 30 MW of Solar to Benefit California Households, Who Can’t Install Solar Panels

• Renewable Properties announced the signing of PPAs for five projects with PG&E that will bring the benefits of clean solar energy to low-income Californians, totaling nearly 30 MW.

What happened? 

Renewable Properties recently signed PPAs for five solar projects with PG&E to bring clean energy to disadvantaged communities in California. Totaling nearly 30 MW, the projects are part of the Disadvantaged Communities and Community Solar Green Tariff programs enacted by Assembly Bill 327 in 2013. The projects are expected to provide 100% off-site solar power and a 20% bill credit on PG&E bills to eligible subscribers. The first three projects, East Cleveland Solar and Avenue 26 Solar Phase I and II, will commence construction in early spring of 2023 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2023. The 7-MW Althea Avenue Solar project will commence construction in late December 2023 and is expected to be completed by September 2024. The Canyon Road Solar project, located in Merced County, will commence construction in March of 2024 and be completed by the end of the year. 

Why does it matter? 

The projects are significant because they will bring the benefits of clean solar energy to California households that can’t install solar onsite. This will allow low-income families to save on their electricity bills, even if they can’t put solar on their own roof. The projects will also help to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants that are disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities. Additionally, the projects will fulfill the remaining capacity of PG&E’s Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff program, and energy storage could potentially be added to the projects in the future. 

What's next? 

California is set to further expand community solar in the state with a program currently being developed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The new law includes requirements that 51% of the program serves low-income customers and incentivizes incorporating energy storage with community solar projects. This will ensure that more communities have access to clean and affordable energy in the future.