Case Study: Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing

Low-income families in apartment buildings are not in a position to install solar energy systems, and yet often bear the greatest burden from high energy costs and local air pollution. The Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing Program (SOMAH) provides financial incentives that cover up to 85% of the costs of installing photovoltaic energy systems, delivering clean power and energy bill credits for both residents and property owners and providing job training for new careers in the solar industry.

The program offers a template and lessons for states and cities seeking to use federal Solar for All funding to expand clean energy equitably.

SOMAH is administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy, Association for Energy Affordability and GRID Alternatives. It is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission and funded from the greenhouse gas auction proceeds of California’s five primary electric investor-owned utilities.