One of the keys to the continued growth of California solar energy is to make this technology available to all residents, no matter their earnings. While middle- and high-income earners continue to take advantage of the benefits of solar, there is a perception that renewable energy is too expensive for lower income families, despite the fact that there are financing options and programs available for these citizens.

Luckily, a new law recently enacted by Governor Jerry Brown and the California General Assembly will bring solar power to low income communities. AB 217 contains a number of measures and programs that expand access, including an extension of the Single-family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) and the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH), which were set to expire in 2016 but will now continue until 2021.

These two measures provide subsidies for single-family and multifamily housing units that are looking to go solar. In addition to these incentives, families that sign up for SASH and MASH can also claim net metering rebates that allow them to sell their electricity back to the grid.

AB 217 also sets up a program to help train California residents to work in the solar industry and learn about solar technology, giving them skills to allow them to succeed in a fast-growing industry.

Northern California solar power isn’t just for wealthy Californians. Virtually any family can enjoy the financial benefits of renewable energy. For more information on how you can sign up for SASH and MASH, as well as the many other federal, state and local clean energy incentives that exist, contact West Coast Solar today.